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Matthew Muzikant Strikes Out 13 in 9-1 LuHi Win On Field Dedication Day

by Nicholas DiLapi

Led by starting pitcher Matthew Muzikant, the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders left the field with their heads held high following a 9-1 victory over the Holy Trinity Titans. 

The Crusaders honored their graduating class with the yearly senior day celebration, but that wasn’t the only pressure on the Crusaders to deliver. The school’s baseball field was dedicated to John Alberda of the class of 1965. Alberda, who passed away in 2024, taught at the school for 50 years, and served as Varsity Baseball Coach for 25 seasons. Leading the Crusaders, Alberda earned over 400 wins and multiple championships. He is remembered as someone with passion and discipline, pushing his players to succeed. With his family in attendance, Alberda Field was dedicated in his honor, and his grandchildren threw out the first pitch.

After the pre-game festivities, the Titans were eager to play and showed that. Christian Poveda reached on a single with 1 out, and after stealing 2nd and 3rd base, he was brought home by Pat Annello. 

The Crusaders then quickly tied it after a Kayden Bates leadoff walk, sacrifice bunt, and a Bates stolen base to third, followed by TJ Borzumato bringing Bates home on a fielder’s choice. 

Muzikant bounced back after the first inning, retiring the side without any problems, and he was rewarded. In the bottom of the second, Titans pitcher Amani Martinez walked 3 batters to load the bases, Jayden Hauser stole home to make it 2-1 after two innings. 

Muzikant then took control. His dominance carried from start to finish, leading a complete game and racking up 13 strikeouts over the course of the contest. 

His dominance was reflected by his teammates on offense, with a leadoff double in the 3rd inning from Matthew Garib, who was then brought home by Dylan Lancberg. Then with 2 outs and a runner at first, the inning seemed to be nearing its end, before Jayden Hauser rocketed a triple to score Lancberg. The Crusaders were riding high after 3 innings leading 4-1, and they didn’t settle.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, the Crusaders bats had reawoken. A 5 run inning was highlighted by Cameron Coco’s 2 run single and Borzumato bringing home yet another on his 1 run single.

Muzikant then put the bowtie on an emotional Crusaders victory with two thrilling strikeouts in the top of the 7th. 

The victory brought the Crusaders to 11-5 on the season, and with playoffs on the horizon, the team is ready.

“With this performance, the whole team, 9 runs against a team like that, is pretty good,” said Muzikant. “We’re looking forward to next week, have confidence going into the playoffs, and I think we have a chance at it.”

With his 3rd complete game of the season, Muzikant thinks his offseason program is the reason he’s been able to work so efficiently. 

“With my offseason work I feel like I’m in great shape… when my pitch count is up there I keep it efficient and I work fast,” said Muzikant.

As for the Titans, this wrapped up their season, finishing at 11-10 overall. They’ve lost 3 their last 3 games, with only 6 runs scored and 27 allowed over that span.

The Crusaders will return to play on Saturday, May 9, against Horace Mann.