Softball: CleanTech dethrones RiseHi to take championship

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The CleanTech Warriors, in only their second season in the modified-pitch softball league, completed their storybook season at Gezer on Tuesday, defeating defending champs and perennial powerhouse RiseHi, 18-13, to become the new league champions. A nine-run first inning, capped by Nisan Hirsh's three-run blast, gave CleanTech pitcher Meir Goldberg a comfortable lead with which to work. RiseHi came crawling back, scoring in each inning, but no more than three runs in any one. Each time RiseHi seemed poised to breakthrough Goldberg killed the rally with his pinpoint pitching. Playoff MVP Avi Dzik led the way again for CleanTech, scoring four times and going 4-for-5, including hitting two triples (for the third straight game). Jack Jacobovitz played a great centerfield and also scored four times with three hits, three RBI's and three stolen bases. First baseman Daniel Heller went three for four with three runs scored and a solo home run to center in the sixth the secured the victory for CleanTech. "I'm so proud of these guys," said team manager Aron Heller, who also went 3-for-4 at the plate. "RiseHi are the best in the business and we just came out and gave them all we've got. It's a great day for he entire CleanTech nation and I'm just happy to be a part of it." Ed Harow pitched a great game for RiseHi but he was let down by some sloppy defensive behind him. Ariel Gilor went 4-for-5 for RiseHi and Aryeh Baumen 4-for-4. Dzik's final catch in the game set off a massive CleanTech pileup on the field followed by a beer-drenched celebration in the dugout.