Melrose National Has Valiant Effort in Series Vs. Parkway American

Melrose National Little League 9-10 year-old All Stars, the District 12 champions, met in Watertown this past weekend to compete against Parkway American Little League District 10 Champions of West Roxbury in what became a three-game series for the Section 3 State Championship.

Although Parkway walked away Sunday after winning the best two out of three, Melrose National gave them a good fight, taking the series into extra innings in the decisive third game and earning high praise from an umpire who has been calling Little League games for three decades.

The first two of three games were decided by each team's ace on the hill, Cory Bright for Melrose National and Jack Rathbone for Parkway American. Both players were also the offensive catalyst for their teams as they both hit over .400 in the sectional series. Melrose hit under .200 and Parkway over .300.

Ron Bright, coach and manager for Melrose National said, "The championship game came down to hitting with runners in scoring position." 

The tournament began Friday, July 16, at Hosmer Field in Watertown where Melrose National shutout Parkway National 5-0. Melrose National's Cory Bright was dominant, pitching five complete innings of no run baseball. Then Jared Crowell came in as relief pitcher with a 1-2-3 sixth to close out the victory. Parkway sent Garrett McCarthy to the mound and Melrose scored all fives runs in the second inning on key hits from Bright, Crowell, and Avery Davis.

Also standing out also for Melrose was Danny Riley, with several key defensive plays at second base, and Mike Dreske was stellar behind the plate. Mike Cunningham chipped in with two singles on offense, while Harry Kumm, Ian Libby, Darwin Anderson and Saoirse Connolly played well defensively.

In Game 2 on Saturday, Melrose National sent Jared Crowell to the mound where he pitched well, allowing three runs in three complete innings. Parkway American scored two in the third and one in the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. Parkway American sent Jack Rathbone to the bump, who allowed multiple hit games to Melrose National's Cory Bright and Danny Riley, with Crowell scoring the lone Melrose run in the 5th.

Larry Abend, the umpire for Game 2, said the game was outstanding from the beginning to end.

"From the top of the first inning there were amazing plays in the offensively and defensively," Abend said.  "I've been doing this for 32 years and was so impressed at the skill level of these 9 and 10-year-olds on the field today."

Mike Cunningham, Avery Davis, Riley and Ian Liby all took over on the mound and allowed 3 runs in 3 innings of work. Key defensive players for Melrose were Mike Dreske, Saoirse Connolly, Harry Kumm and Darwin Anderson.

Game 3 on Sunday ended 6-5 in favor of Parkway American. Melrose National sent Mike Cunningham to the hill and he pitched well in the 6-5 loss in extra innings. Cunningham left the game in the 5th inning with the game tied at two. Avery Davis pitched an inning of relief allowing two runs, as Mike Dreske came on in a bases loaded jam to keep Melrose in striking distance.

Parkway American had Russell toe the bump and he left in the fifth with the game tied at 3. Cory Bright had a muliple hit game with Danny Riley, Harry Kumm, Ian Libby and Mike Dreske chipping in with base hits. Parkway American scored two in the top of the 7th inning to take a 6-4 lead. Melrose National would not give in as they scored one in the home half making it 6-5 with the bases loaded. Parkway American reliever Buxton got a fly out to left field to end the hard fought championship game.

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