Peabody West 10-Year-Olds Claim District Title

[The following was submitted by Peabody West Little League coach Ed Silva.]

The Peabody West 10-year-old All-Stars captured the District 16 title Thursday night with a 10-2 victory over Lynn Shore Little League. The PWLL 10-year-olds finished up district play with a 4-0 record, outscoring their opponents by a total of 48-14.

Everyone on the team has contributed to this championship. The pitching of Angelo McCullough, Jake Murphy, John Mulready and Joe Gilmartin has really set the tone in limiting the opponent's ability to score.

PWLL has been scoring in bunches, using both small ball and the long ball. Home runs by Jenarro Herbert (1) and John Mulready (3) have been instrumental in the victories while establishing a level of intimidation. Two hundred-plus-foot home runs from 10-year-olds is extremely impressive.

PWLL also has benefitted from some consistent hitting up and down the lineup to lead to some big innings. Mike Silva and JC Espinal have started some rallies in the bottom part of the order to complement the run scoring ability of the top of the order.

The infield play of Murphy, Mulready, Gilmartin, McCullough, Silva and Herbert has been solid. The final outs of the championship game were an unassisted double play by McCullough.

The rotating outfield players have been sensational in their ability to contribute with their bats and gloves. Mike Sabella and Jack Flaherty threw the leather around with great catches in our opening round game versus Saugus American. Mike Evangelista laid down a perfect bunt to start a rally in our win over Nahant. JC Espinal is swinging a hot bat with two multiple hit games. Jordan Anzuoni has been a spark with his bat and speed in the late innings. Ari Rozopoluos started the game winning rally against Saugus American with a lead off single. Jake Paragona has been solid with his defensive play.

Sectional double elimination format starts Wednesday at Tapley Park in Danvers. PWLL plays the winner on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Tapley Park in Danvers.