by Tucker Terranova
Wantagh takes home the title! They defeat Seaford, 6-1, in Game 3 of the Nassau A Finals to capture the County Championship🏆
They will face Sayville in the Class A Long Island Championship next Thursday at Middle Country Athletic Complex at 4:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/lZXM4KZnm4
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 1, 2025
It’s a well-known fact that pitching wins championships.
Wantagh, which lost in three games to Clarke in last year’s Nassau County Class A Championship Series, proved that again over the weekend.
After Christian Danzilo twirled a complete game gem in game one of the best-of-three set, Saturday was Dom Cusumano’s turn – and he delivered. Bouncing back after surrendering a walk-off single in relief in game two that pushed the series to a decisive third game, the senior right-hander gave Wantagh 6.1 innings, allowing one run and five hits while striking out three.
“Everything felt good for me today,” Cusumano said. “My slider was working extremely well – it felt like wherever I put it, I was able to get outs.”
His effort helped Wantagh to a 6-1 victory over Seaford, clinching the series and bringing the championship back to Beltagh Avenue. The win marks Wantagh’s first title since 2018, capping a run of Nassau County and Long Island championships dating back to 2016.
For the 2025 squad, the victory provided a long-awaited sense of closure after falling short last season.
“We came into this season looking to get our get-back from last year,” said Danzilo, who was a member of last year’s team. “We knew we had to play hard and not take anybody lightly. Thankfully, nobody was able to slow us down.”
Wantagh struck first as they did in all three championship games. Frankie McNally worked a bases-loaded walk in the second inning, followed by an error that allowed Mike Avitable to score. Taking a 2-0 lead early, the Warriors settled into the game quickly.
“Our bench is always hyped all game – from the first pitch to the last,” said Robert Terrana. “All of our guys give it their all out there, just trying to help the team win.”
Dom Cusumano discusses his quality outing, leading the Warriors to their first Nassau County Championship since 2018. pic.twitter.com/6qmUnbJgdv
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 1, 2025
The Warriors’ balanced offense showed through, with each run coming from a different player seizing the opportunity.
In the fourth, Ryan Tullo singled up the middle and eventually reached third base. Avitable’s dribbler about five feet in front of the catcher prompted daring baserunning from Tullo, who noticed the plate was uncovered and scored, extending Wantagh’s lead.
In the sixth, Terrana made his mark. Entering as a pinch hitter, it didn’t take long for the right-hander to get up to speed, launching an RBI triple off the right-center field fence. He later scored on a single from Charlie Cascino, plating Wantagh’s sixth and final run.
“I’ve had adrenaline all series, just waiting for my chance,” said Terrana, who drove in runs in both pinch-hit appearances this series. “When I got that fastball, I was looking the other way and was able to connect. The feeling I had when I got to third was unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”
Having a well-balanced offense is a blessing for a pitcher, giving him confidence that runs will come if he does his job on the mound.
Cusumano rewarded his team’s trust with a brilliant outing. Aside from a shaky third inning capped by an run-scoring single from Seaford left fielder Luke Walsh, Cusumano fed off his offense all afternoon.
“They gave me so much confidence going out there each inning,” he said. “I know they’re going to score runs and produce for me, then take the field and make plays.”
Taking a 6-1 lead into the seventh, Cusumano started the final frame with a strikeout before walking a batter, ending his day.
Head coach Keith Sachs turned to his ace for the final two outs, giving Danzilo the chance to close out Wantagh’s title bid. After a four-pitch walk, Danzilo induced a double play to cue the celebration.
“I was so amped up coming into the game,” Danzilo said. “I wasn’t thinking about anything except ending it.”
With the win, Wantagh advances to the Class A Long Island Championship against Sayville this Thursday at Farmingdale State College at 4:30 p.m.
