Ridgefield Stays Alive in 15-Year-Old Babe Ruth State Tournament

Strong pitching  and sound defense paved the way for Ridgefield in the 15-year state Babe Ruth tournament Thursday afternoon, as Patrick Molyneaux tossed a complete game in a  2-1 win over Shelton at Fairfield's Tunxis Hill Field.

Coming off a defeat, Ridgefield was facing elimination, but stayed alive to advance to the losers' bracket semifinals against Fairfield on Friday at Fairfield's Kiwanis Field (5:45 p.m.).

Dan Lake drove in both runs for Ridgefield, which defeated Fairfield, 6-0, earlier in the tournament.

"We were a wounded animal heading into the game, because we had that one loss and our backs were against the wall," Ridgefield coach Chris Molyneaux said. "The guys really responded to the challenge at hand. We played hard for seven innings and left it all on the field to get this win."

In the opening frame, leadoff man Harrison Siclare set the table for an early Ridgefield run courtesy of his line-drive double. Siclare was just getting started, as the slick-fielding shortstop went 3-for-3 while making several outstanding defensive plays.

"I always try to work the count and wait for the pitch that I want," said Siclare, who scored both Ridgefield's runs. "I'm glad I was able to reach base a few different times and help us generate some runs. We were determined to do whatever it took to get the win."

Along with Siclare, teammate Lake also was locked in all game-long.

Lake laced the first of his two hits in the opening inning to plate Siclare. He then added another RBI single on a laser shot to left field to again score Siclare in the bottom of the third.

The two runs were enough for Patrick Molyneaux, who struck out eight while mixing fastballs with effective off-speed pitches.

"I knew how big this game was, and I just wanted to go out there and shut them down from the start," he said.

Molyneaux struck out five over the final three frames, and when Shelton bats did make contact, potential hits were swallowed up by Ridgefield defense.

"It really gives me more confidence when I know that I can just go out there and throw strikes," the younger Molyneaux said. "Even if I don't strike someone out and they put the ball in play, we have great defensive players behind me that get the job done."

Rob DePalma—back in action after missing a few days due to sickness—played a solid second base for the victors.

In addition, first baseman Chris McClelland played a flawless game defensively, scooping a handful of tough throws out of the dirt to nail down crucial outs.

Armed with a slim one-run lead and still three outs to go, Molyneaux saved his best for last, mowing down two batters on strikeouts before inducing a game-ending groundout.