A closer look at the 6-1 Lake Mary, Florida win over Staten Island, New York Tuesday at Lamade Stadium

PLAY OF THE GAME — Christopher Chikodroff’s go-ahead single: The game was tied 1-1 in the fifth inning when Florida rallied following an error and a Teraj Alexander walk. That set the stage for Chikodroff who delivered the hit of his life. He hit a grounder that seemingly had eyes and Alexander showed his dexterity, avoiding the ball as it went into right field. Liam Morrisey scored the go-ahead run and Florida gained the upper hand in a fiercely fought game.

FLORIDA PLAYER OF THE GAME — DJ Mieses: This is a tough call because so many players delivered in big moments, but Mieses gets the call after walloping a game-breaking three-run home run and playing dazzling defense at first base. Mieses unloaded with two outs in the sixth and his home run put Florida up, 6-1.

NEW YORK PLAYER OF THE GAME — Stephen Grippo: The left-hander did his best to will New York to victory, throwing 4 2/3 outstanding innings. Grippo held a potent offense to two hits and struck out seven. Grippo retired the first seven batters he faced and also tied the game, 1-1 in the fourth inning when he hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field.

BIG INNING–Florida sixth: After taking the lead in the fifth, Florida unleashed in the sixth and scored four times to take control. Chase Anderson ignited the rally with a one-out triple and scored on JJ Feliciano’s sacrifice fly to deep center field. Garrett Rohozen and Landon Bono drew walks before Mieses crushed his mammoth home run. Those insurance runs were monster ones and allowed Florida to breathe much easier in the bottom half of the inning.

BEST EFFORT–Florida’s hitting approaches: New York ace Stephen Grippo was dominant Tuesday but Florida patiently worked up his pitch count and chased him by the fifth inning. At that point, the game was tied 1-1 and Florida came alive after he exited. Even when hitters did not reach base, they produced excellent at-bats and eventually wore down a strong pitching staff. Give an assist to pitcher Lathan Norton who shined in relief again, earning the win and throwing three scoreless innings, giving him 5 1/3 at the Series, along with10 strikeouts.

FLASHING LEATHER–Florida shortstop JJ Feliciano continued his strong defensive performance at the Series in the first inning when he took a potential lead-off hit from Vincent Ruggerio. Feliciano hustled behind the second base bag to stop the sharp grounder headed toward center field. He then wheeled and made a perfect throw which beat the speedy Ruggerio by a step. New York second baseman Joe Iraci made a super play in the third inning, reaching low to catch a sinking Lathan Norton line drive. Florida first baseman DJ Mieses and second baseman Chase Anderson perfectly worked bunt coverage at the perfect time in the bottom of the third. With runners on the corners, Mieses fielded a bunt down the line. He looked the runner back to third as Anderson sprinted over and covered first. Mieses made a quick throw and the two combined to beat the runner by a step. A batter later, Garrett Rohozen stranded runners on second and third to keep Florida ahead, 1-0. New York third baseman Vincent Ruggerio and first baseman Dean Scarangello combined on a magnificent play which squashed a Florida threat. Ruggerio made a stop down the third-base line but faced a challenge. He embraced it, too, making a strong throw from the left field grass. Scarangello then made a tremendous scoop of a one-hopper and the inning ended instead of Florida having two runners on. Mieses again delivered for Florida in the fourth when he made an outstanding catch in foul territory as he nearly hit the camera well wall. That catch kept the go-ahead runner on third and a batter later, Liam Norton produced an inning-ending strikeout.

HOME RUNS: Mieses has been heating up at the perfect time after having a big tournament at the Southeast Regional. His sixth inning, three-run home run was a no doubter and sailed well over the center field fence. It came with two outs and gave Florida a 6-1 advantage.

WHAT IT MEANS–Florida is now among the country’s top four teams and won its third Series game. The Southeast champions advance to tomorrow night’s next round and face West champion Hawaii. The winner of that game will be assured of a spot in the country’s Top 3 and play for a spot in the national championship Thursday night. New York concluded a brilliant season, fighting hard till the end. The Metro champions won two Series games and enhanced its decorated league’s tradition, becoming the fourth team to make the Series.