Young's Shutout Seals Aces Championship for Orange

The Mountainside Aces Men's Softball championship concluded on August 9, 2026, with Orange defeating Gold in two games to claim the title. Orange won the first game 9-2 and completed the championship sweep with an 8-0 victory in Game 2. The dominant performance capped a season of strong regular-season play and playoff advancement for the Orange squad.

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Young's Championship Performance

Ryan Young pitched all seven innings of both championship games, allowing just two runs in Game 1 before recording a shutout in the clincher. Young pitched 14 innings total across the two games, anchoring Orange's championship run.

When asked about his performance, Young credited his teammates' defense. "Incredible defense behind me. Basically, with our defense, you put the ball in play, and they just do the rest of their work," he said.

Offensive Power

Orange collected 31 hits across the two games. In Game 1, Michael Mondon went 3-for-3, while Young, Paul DeMartino, and John Simeone each added multiple hits. In Game 2, Matt Zieser and Simeone both went 3-for-3 as Orange scored eight runs.

Across the full season including playoffs, Simeone led the team with a .694 batting average, 68 hits, and 42 runs. DeMartino hit .613 and Mondon .595.

Championship Run

Orange finished the regular season with a 17-6 record before advancing through the playoffs. They swept Purple in the first round, then defeated Blue in a three-game series with wins of 8-7 and 8-6, with a loss of 14-2 in between.

Gold, with a 7-15-1 regular season record, began the playoffs on July 22. Gold swept Silver, defeated Carolina in three games, and went the distance against Green before reaching the championship. Gold's hitters included Brian Pereira who finished batting .569, Chase Kennedy at .563, and Eddie Paulo at .541.

Team Connection

Young highlighted the importance of the team's core group that had played together for several seasons. "Playing with these guys for three or four seasons, they're incredible guys. It's been pretty much our core team from the start, so it took us a couple years to get here, but it feels great," he said.

Community Atmosphere

Families attended the championship games despite the heat, creating a neighborhood atmosphere around the field. Michael Streaman, who volunteers cooking for players and families, noted the balance between competition and community. "There's a lot of competition going on, but at the end of the day, they can have a beer together after the game," he said.

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FAQ

Q: Who won the Mountainside Aces Men's Softball championship?
A: Orange defeated Gold in the 2026 championship on August 9. Orange won 9-2 in Game 1 and 8-0 in Game 2 for a sweep.

Q: What was the championship format?
A: The championship was a two-game series. Orange won both games to claim the title.

Q: Who pitched for Orange in the championship?
A: Ryan Young pitched all seven innings in both championship games. He allowed two runs in Game 1 and pitched a shutout in Game 2.

Q: What were the championship game scores?
A: Orange 9, Gold 2 (Game 1); Orange 8, Gold 0 (Game 2).

Q: Who were Orange's offensive leaders?
A: Michael Mondon went 3-for-3 in Game 1. Matt Zieser and John Simeone both went 3-for-3 in Game 2. John Simeone led the season with a .694 average, 68 hits, and 42 runs.

Q: Who were Gold's top hitters?
A: Brian Pereira finished with a .569 batting average, Chase Kennedy at .563, and Eddie Paulo at .541.

Q: What was Orange's regular season record?
A: Orange finished the regular season 17-6 before winning the playoffs and championship.

Q: What was Gold's path to the championship?
A: Gold started with a 7-15-1 regular season. They swept Silver, defeated Carolina in three games, and went the distance against Green before reaching the championship.