A.J. Vigliotti, a St. Joseph by-the-Sea product, was the hero for the College of Staten Island on Heroes Day as the senior drove in seven runs behind three hits in four at-bats to lead the Dolphins past Felician University, 14-8, Friday at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
The Dolphins honored Steve Sosa, Paul Polemeni and Anthony Varvaro during a pregame ceremony that recalled the life of each hero.
The team also welcomed Rocco DiMaggio, a young boy battling neuroblastoma, as part of an effort to raise funds for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Heroes Day was sponsored by TLC Physical Therapy and its owner Jason Lamendola.
“It was a great day for all; Staten Island is truly an amazing place,” said CSI head coach Mike Mauro of the third annual game.
On the field, the Dolphins broke open the game with eight runs in the third and never looked back as they won for the fifth time in their last seven games.
Vigliotti had a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Two innings later, he delivered an RBI single.
The College of Staten Island coaching staff, from left, are Saverio Nardone, Shendi Ulaj, John Esposito, head coach Mike Mauro, James Mardikos, Matthew Bowers and Tommy Laino. (Photo courtesy of Mike Mauro)Mike Mauro
Trailing 9-0, Felician scored twice in the fifth, but the Dolphins answered right back with a grand slam by Vigliotti to make it 13-2.
“Vigs could do no wrong. That home run was one of the furthest I’ve ever seen at the stadium,” said Mauro, who said the ball traveled 430 feet. “He carried us on his shoulders and he’s been on fire of late.”
Vigliotti then drove in his seventh run of the game two innings later to make it 14-2 in the non-conference tilt.
The Dolphins improved to 16-24 overall. They are 9-7 in the ECC.
St. Peter’s product Ryan Kehoe picked up his fourth win of the season, allowing two runs on four hits in five innings of work. Three CSI relievers combined to pitch the last four innings.
Sophomore Chris Polemeni (St. Peter’s product), the son of one of the honorees, added three hits and three runs from the leadoff spot.
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