Clarke vs Island Trees

HIGHLIGHTS

Clarke 5, Island Trees 0: Mike Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs to lead Clarke (7-5) in Nassau A-IV. Chris Giardino went 2-for-3, with one run scored, one RBI, one double and a stolen base. Matt Rubenstein earned the win, pitching six and two-thirds innings, allowing no runs on four hits, striking out five and walking five. The win was coach Tom Abruscato's 400th career victory as a varsity coach. "It's awesome thinking about all the guys that played for me and coached for me. Those guys won the games," said Abruscato, a two-time state champion who is 400-99-4 in 20 seasons at Clarke. "To have guys from 20 years ago to last year contact me is the best feeling." Abruscato added the "best part" of his time coaching has been the long-lasting friendships he has forged. In addition to the two state titles, his teams won 16 conference titles, six county championships and three Long Island championships.