Old Tappan scored three runs in the second and two more in the fourth in a 9-1 win over Fair Lawn.

In fact the Golden Knights scored at least one run in each inning.

"Lately we’ve been getting some key hits, some two out hits," said Old Tappan coach Tim Byron. "We haven’t had big innings, but we’ve been able to put up a run, two runs and keep it going a little bit to put pressure on them. We have been getting hitting throughout, even at the end of the lineup."

Junior shortstop Tim Fougere led the way with three hits. Sophomore third baseman Mike O’Reilly chipped in with two hits and two RBIs.

"We’ve been hitting the ball pretty good lately," said Fougere. "I was loose today, ready to go. I’m comfortable at the plate right now.

"I am getting used to it (playing varsity) and getting confident."

Fougere led off the bottom of the first with a single to center, but was cut down trying to steal. A walk to Alex Caravella, a fielder’s choice and two out single by catcher Tyler Gallo scored the first run of the game.

"We are doing a lot of small ball stuff and not expecting a big hit," said Fougere. "We are taking it one at bat at a time and trying to do the little stuff."

The Knights had two on and no outs in the second, but a nifty double play turned by the Cutters appeared to get Fair Lawn out of trouble. But Fougere singled and Paul Scilingo walked. Both moved up on a wild pitch and scored on O’Reilly’s base hit to left.

Sophomore designated hitter Ben Bernstein hit a bomb over the left center field fence with two outs in the third and Old Tappan scored two more in the fourth when Fair Lawn center fielder Kevin Mazzola dropped a fly ball.

"In some games we score a lot of runs," said pitcher Mike Soumas. "We score in bunches. We’ll score five runs in one inning then are flat for a couple of innings. We have a much deeper lineup this year.

"Last year we had Rob [Segedin] and Nick [Pulsonetti.] This year we have one through nine consistently hitting well."

As the offense continued to pound on Cutter right hander Kevin Artinger, Soumas was sailing along. He allowed only two hits, while striking out six in six innings of work.

"My fastball on the outside corner and the curve ball were working today," said Soumas. "I have to hit my spots to be successful."

"He did a great job today," said Fougere. "He battled. He got a couple of strikeouts and made them hit ground balls and pop ups."

Soumas showed his quickness by picking two runners off first, a rarity for a right handed pitcher.

In the second inning he caught Mazzola off base and he nailed Brian Alvarez in the fifth.

"I have worked on a pick off move ever since I have pitched," said Soumas. "We work on it a lot in practice, where I have learned a good move. Whenever a runner gets on Byron wants us to throw over, especially the first runner of the game. If we can pick off the first runner of the game it kills their rally."

Throwing over early will keep runners close for the entire game, Soumas added.

"And it gives Tyler [Gallo] a better chance to throw him out," he said.

Gallo gunned down Aaron Soloman, who had reached base on an infield error, in the first inning.

Infield play is a note of concern. The Knights committed three errors in the game.

"We still have to bear down with fielding," said Gallo "We had three errors today. Teams like St. Joe’s and Don Bosco are going to take advantage and that could hurt us."

"Some days we are solid and other days...," said Byron "They weren’t even hard hit balls. Routine plays we have trouble with. So far we have been lucky. Defense is key.

"With the exception of Caravella and [Jon} Scott we are not going to get many strikeouts. They are going to put the ball in play. Against a strong team it is going to hurt you."

With the win Old Tappan moves to 11-2 in the NBIL and 12-3 overall.

"At the beginning of the year Coach Byron thought we would be average," Soumas said, "but I knew we would be a pretty good team. We only lost two or three kids from last year and we have a deep lineup. And our pitching was returning."

"Overall it’s going along the way we want," said Gallo. "In this league and this county, with a 12-3 record you can’t complain."