Arber Mehmedi Slams in Naugy Vs. Holy Cross Game

The Naugatuck Greyhounds are on a roll winning four of the last five games fueled by an offensive assault that has put up some staggering numbers. Since getting shut out 4-0 by Wolcott dropping Naugatuck at 2-2 on the season the bats have heated up.

The Hounds have put up 65 runs in five games while allowing 28 as they improved their record to 6-3 on the season.

Following the loss to Wolcott the Greyhounds unloaded 25 hits on Crosby ripping the Bulldogs by a 27-3 count. Nolan Kinne led the way with five hits and six runs scored.

Zach Mercer had three doubles and scored three runs with Kyle Lopes three hits, three run and Seth Mulhall adding three hits and two runs. Mike Burns picked up the win on the hill with four innings of relief taking over for Brian Dowling.

“This is the best hitting team we’ve had in at least the last five years, if not more,” said Naugatuck head coach Tom Deller in his 15th year at the helm.

The Greyhounds broke up a 5-5 deadlock with Sacred Heart plating four runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull out a 9-5 win over the Hearts. Adam Neveski picked up the win with four innings of relief and Mulhall slugged a double, a single and drove in two runs.

Naugatuck made a few costly errors and allowed Wilby to come back and defeat the Hounds 5-4 in extra innings to stop the winning streak. Arber Mehmedi had two doubles and two runs batted in to pace the Greyhounds attack.

Instead of hanging their heads over the tough loss the Greyhounds came out swinging the bats and pounded Holy Cross by a 21-13 margin. Mehmedi led the way with a two run single and a grand slam home run good for six RBI’s.

Matt Zahornasky belted a single, a home run and drove in three runs and Kinne added two singles, a double, four runs scored and two RBI’s to lead the offensive assault. Rich Pimental picked up the win with four innings of relief.

Naugatuck trailed Holy Cross 6-1 when they struck for 8 runs in the bottom of the second fueled by Mehmedi’s grand slam homer. The Crusaders went ahead again holding a 13-11 lead when Naugatuck exploded for 10 runs in the sixth to put the game away.

“Give credit to Holy Cross,” said Deller. “They did put up 13 runs and it was a good thing we scored 21. Having a player like Arber is a huge lift for this team. Not only for his leadership qualities but for his unselfish team first attitude.”

Mehmedi came into his senior season as a three-year starter at catcher but relinquished the position to allow Zach Mercer to get into the lineup with his bat and taking over behind the plate. The senior leader has solidified the infield playing second base and shortstop.  

“We only have 14 players so being versatile is one of the teams strengths,” said Deller. “Arber leads by example. Neveski can play first base or shortstop. It’s going to take every one to come together and play as a team in order for us to be successful.”

“Arber is a great player to coach. Just because he’s been here four years he doesn’t think that he’s the man. It’s all about his team first attitude that has improved this teams ability to be successful.”

“The kids look up to him as much as that is allowed in today’s day and age. And I tell these kids constantly they have a good shot at competing for an NVL title.”

Naugatuck improved its chances pulling out a tough 4-2 win over Woodland on Monday. Zahornasky spun a complete game five hitter and struck out six. Mulhall led the attack with a double, a triple and two RBI’s.

“I like catching but I can also play other positions,” said Mehmedi. “We have a lot of good players on this team. It’s not all about me and what I’m doing. We have a lot of heart and a never give up attitude. We showed that we can come back in games against Sacred Heart and Holy Cross.”

“If we can continue to play as a team and everyone works hard we can be very successful and contend for an NVL title.”