Text Message Fuels Cappiello, Big Red in Win

Bulletin-board material is rare in high school sports, but Tuesday morning, Glen Cove ace pitcher Peter Cappiello received a text message from Plainedge's starting catcher saying that Plainedge expects to win.

Behind Cappiello's 12 strikeouts – including a trio in the seventh – that didn't happen. Big Red (3-10) beat Plainedge 2-0 behind the senior's strong pitching performance.

Cappiello allowed one hit and one walk in the complete game win as Plainedge dropped to 7-6 on the season.

"That just hit me," Cappiello said of the text message. "I had an AP test, and I couldn't focus. I knew I had to prove something."

Big Red's big pitcher went deep into counts early in the game as Plainedge hitters fouled off plenty of pitches, but as the game wore on, Cappiello became more economical with his stuff.

"He was fired up today," coach Carmine Rotolo said. "That's what we need, if that's what it takes."

Cappiello gave his defense credit for the shutout, as he said its the strongest part of the team. 

"Our defense never let me down," the senior captain said.

They didn't have the chance to. The Red Devil hitters managed just one deep ball into the outfield – that center fielder Mike Iannetta caught at the wall.

"We're responding, and just coming up big," Rotolo said.

At the plate, Glen Cove stayed silent for the first four innings with Plainedge's pitcher, Brian O'Connell, escaping jams and relying on his defense to help him out.

But in the fifth, Frankie Gaudio reached first on a bunt that handcuffed Plainedge's first baseman.

Sophomore Chris Theodorou, who didn't solidify a spot on varsity until the team's trip to Florida in the beginning of April, drove in Gaudio with a slam that hit off the centerfield wall for a double. Theodorou finished 2-for-3.

"He's been coming up big, he's hitting over .300 I think in this league," Rotolo said.

Theodorou moved to third on a bunt single by Tom Montefusco, and crossed the plate when O'Connell committed an error when he tried to pick off the speedy Montefusco at first base.

That's all Cappiello would need as he finished up his 107-pitch game by striking out four of the final six batters he faced.

"He is getting there mentally," Rotolo said. "It was never about the baseball. He's always had the skills, but what he needed to work on was the mental game."

Big Red and Red Devils will make up the other half of their two-game series Wednesday at Plainedge. The game was postponed due to weather on Monday.

Rotolo said he plans to start Richie Maccarone on the hill as Glen Cove tries to find a solid second starter heading into the playoffs.

"We've been trying everyone, and Richie is stepping up. We have no doubt that he'll prevail," Rotolo said. "Having a good one-two in the playoffs is huge."

Last Week

Glen Cove could've notched two more wins last week – in addition to a 4-0 victory – but the Big Red came out on the wrong end of a pair of two-run games.

After Cappiello's two hits against South Side for the win on April 28, Glen Cove dropped a 12-10 slugfest to the Cyclones the following day.

Big Red played its third game at home against Island Trees on April 30. Despite two home runs by Maccarone, Glen Cove loss 7-5.

Check out Patch's Big Red video highlights.

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