Frantic Monroe Rally Falls Short in 11-9 Defeat

Trailing by a score of 11-3 heading into the final frame of action, The Monroe Little-League All-Stars were looking for something, anything, to lift them to glory on a humid Friday afternoon.

That little bit of magic proved to be a highly unique collective rally cap of sorts, brandished by Zac O'Gull. O'Gull stacked every teammates hat above his hat, signifying a collective push to propel an incredible eight-run comeback with just three outs remaining.

The rally started with small ball, as two singles coupled with a pair of walks plotted Monroe runners aboard. J.J. Williams and Mike Delapiano smashed doubles to make it 11-7 following an impressive single by Cameron Kovachik, and three more hits made it 11-9.

However, a great play by Garrett Stonehouse of Westport cut the miracle rally just short, as Monroe was edged by Westport 11-9.

"The hats got everyone together in the dugout and out on the field," said O'Gull. "We just wanted to rally one last time and keep fighting. I'm very proud of how hard we battled at the end."

Throughout Friday's epic affair, several Monroe ball players stepped up. Jay Bulhmann was instrumental, as his three hits and a walk plated three runs in the tough defeat.

Teammate J.J. Williams smashed a trio of hits, while Justin Young had a big double and a laser-beam single to keep hope alive for Monroe.

Monroe starting pitcher Pat Ryan helped his own cause by crushing a deep drive over the centerfield wall in third inning action.

In the final frame with two outs and the bases loaded, the score showed 11-9 in favor of Westport.

A scorched liner up the middle was suddenly snagged by Westport shortstop Garett Stonehouse, and the shortstop swiftly stepped on the second base bag to quell an amazing comeback effort by Monroe.

"To say I'm proud would be a major understatement, because my level of pride for our guys is off the charts," said Monroe Head Coach Bill Duignan. "Everyone worked hard, everyone contributed, and everyone stepped up. It is tough to lose for our guys, but they should be really proud of themselves. They never gave up."