One Team Remains In Cal Ripken Tournament

The two Marblehead teams remaining in the Cal Ripken All-Star Baseball Tournaments, the 9- and 11-year-old squads, were both in action Tuesday night. Both teams were in must-win situations, already suffering a loss in their double-elimination tournaments.

The 9 -year-olds opened their tournament in Warrendale on June 26 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Revere. Eli Cohen pitched the complete six-inning game throwing seven strikeouts, including the game's final out with runners on second and third. Jake Miller knocked in both runs for Marblehead.

Their next game, on June 27, was a much easier contest for the local boys as they defeated the Arlington American team 15-5 in only four innings of play because of the tournament's "mercy rule." Chris Gally had two hits, including a two-out single in the fourth to score the winning run; he also pitched two scoreless innings. Ryan Dombal had one hit and two RBI, Cohen had two hits and two RBI and Miller had another great day at the plate gathering three hits and two RBI for the winners.

The next two games did not go as well for the Marblehead 9-year-olds. They went on to lose to Burlington and Winchester, by scores of 12-3 and 13-3 respectively. Lackluster fielding plagued the team and the back-to-back losses ended the boys' hopes at a championship, as well as a trip to the state tournament.

They will be back in action for the Wyoma Tournament in Lynn, which begins July 5.

The 11-year-old all-stars, meanwhile, had better luck on the diamond in Arlington Tuesday as they defeated Arlington American 6-2. They will now take on the Burlington team, which narrowly defeated them 6-5.

To be crowned champions, the Marblehead boys will have to earn back-to-back wins against Burlington on Wednesday and Thursday because Burlington has yet to lose a game in the double-elimination tournament.