Successful transition for Hackers

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The Naugatuck Hackers finished the regular season 17-9 before falling to Southington in the playoffs. –CONTRIBUTED

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck Hackers turned a transition year into a successful season.  Ten years after winning its first league title, the Hackers remained a contender this summer.

The adult baseball team based in the borough featured several new faces in key positions and still had a winning season. The Hackers went 17-9 in the regular season, placed second in the standings and earned a first-round bye in their league’s postseason tournament.

After winning their last six games of the regular season, the Hackers dropped its playoff game to Southington to close out an otherwise positive season. Southington advanced to the league title game this weekend against Stratford.

“We exceeded expectations going into the year with a young squad and guys who had never played for us before,” team manager Mike Doran said. “Guys started to gel and it translated to success on the field.”

The Hackers won seven more games than last season, thanks to hitters such as Kevin Ryan. In his first year with the Hackers, Ryan led the team with a .377 batting average and had 20 hits in 20 games.

In addition, Bob Swierbitowicz, Jesse Tejero, Trent Levi, Mike Gargiulo and Nick Price all hit over .300 with at least 30 plate appearances. Dave DeRubeis hit .357 over 10 games played and also pitched.

On the mound, Doran and Price led the team in innings pitched. Shane Swierbitowicz came on strong late in the year to earn three wins in a four-game stretch — two in starts and one in relief.

Doran added the Hackers are grateful to Mike Woodruff and Wing It On Tap! for their support of the team this season.

As the team looks forward to 2018, they will have the experience of the last few months to build on.

“In some ways we were rebuilding, but we’ve set the foundation for the next few years,” Doran added. “It’s a testament to all these good guys we have on the team. Everyone contributed.”