Orange 9-10-Year-Old Softball Players Advance to District 4 Finals

Knowing that his team had already qualified for the District 4 Finals, Orange 9-10 year old Little League All Stars Coach Ed Whitman chose to juggle his line-up for Wednesday night’s final pool contest against North Branford and wasn’t the least bit concerned North Branford defeated his team 6-4 at Totoket Field in North Branford.

According to Whitman, “As far as we were concerned, this was a meaningless game. We already had guaranteed our spot in the finals so I played our girls that don’t get to see a lot of action and let the others have some fun by playing different positions than they normally play.”

Orange drew first blood by posting a quick run in the top of the first inning. Nicole Koshes singled, stole second base and came around to score on consecutive passed ball by the North Branford catcher. That 1-0 lead only lasted until the bottom of the second inning. North Branford matched that tally when Britney Godfrey singled, advanced a base on the first of 9 Orange passed balls and then scored on a 1-out base hit by Julian DeWitt.

In the bottom of the third inning, Alexa Gallo and Angelina Ramada drew consecutive free passes. Both swiped a base and came in to score on 2 more passed balls, giving North Branford a 3-1 lead. It was the same exact story for Syd Senevchia, Marissa Ferraiolo and Godfrey in the bottom of the fifth as the hosts extended their advantage to 6-1.

Ignited by Taylor Welch’s lead off double in the top of the sixth inning, Orange rallied for 3 runs. After she swiped third base, Amanda Granados drew a free pass. Both runners were cashed in on a 2-run double by Nicole Hunt. Still trailing 6-3, the All Stars added their final run when Carly Marchitto singled home Hunt.

 Before North Branford retired the side and nailed down its victory, Orange put the tying and potential winning runs on base as McKenzie McDermott and Oliva Pisano drew free passes.

Orange pitching allowed 0 earned runs on only 2 hits, while walking 6 batters and whiffing 8.

Hunt whacked a 2-bagger, scored, a run, and added 2 RBI for the All Stars. Walsh doubled and scored a run. Koshes singled twice and also scored a run.

Orange ended pool play with a 4-1 record.

Orange and North Branford begin their best 2-games-out-of 3 District 4 Finals tonight with a 5:30 contest at Stankye Field. The series continues on Saturday  at 3 P.M. in Orange.  If needed the third and final game would also be played at Stankye Field on Sunday at noon.