Sudbury Little League Majors Roundup

Royals 10, Pirates 9 (9 innings)

The Royals outlasted the Pirates in a three-hour, nine-inning game with a 10-9 victory. After two scoreless frames, the Pirates scored twice in the top of the ninth, but the Royals rallied in the bottom of that inning, scoring three runs. James Ensley (3-4, 2 1Bs, 2B) and Sam Winneg, got on base with back-to-back singles and eventually scored, and Ryan Cusick’s key base hit moved Seamus Fagan to third. Abby Volo’s (2-5, 2 2Bs) hard hit line-drive to centerfield drove in the winning run. Volo and Fagan set up the pitching, with Ethan Beatty, Noah Gies, and Sam Winneg holding the Pirates to three runs over the last five innings.  Royals’ defense was led by a couple of nice plays from Gies at third base, a late-inning catch from Ethan Beatty, and a webgem catch from Jake MacKenzi behind second base to stop a Pirates’ rally.

Athletics 5, Rays 4

The A's defeated the Rays 5 - 4 in a game that featured solid pitching and great defense. For the A's, Max Durante pitched three strong innings and recorded six strikeouts. Ben Fasciano got the win and Joseph Sziabowski set down the side for a 1-2-3 sixth inning. Fasciano and Matthew Ference had two RBIs each and back to back extra-base hits. Ryan Mulcahey, who was called up from the AAA Rays, scored a run after a hard single during the Rays’ rally in the top of the fifth inning. Stephen Brackett pitched two scoreless innings, reaching base safely three times (2 1Bs, BB), and beat out a play at third base. Xan Ottenberg (1B, 2B, RBI, 2 runs scored) demonstrated leadership behind the plate, included a rally-killing defensive play while contributing offensively with timely hitting and aggressive base-running. Brett Parker made two great catches in centerfield, and teammate Chris Reilly made two key plays at shortstop to halt A's rallies. Reilly also pitched a perfect fifth inning. Tyler George pitched two solid innings and scored the first run in the Rays' comeback rally in the top of the fifth. Ryan Barrera and Christian Smith (RBI) singled to help the Rays scoring effort in the fourth.

Orioles 17, Rangers 5

The Orioles defeated the Rangers 17-5.  The Rangers’ offense was lead by Andrew Gigliotti (2B, run scored) and Mike Kossuth, Colin Garvin, Tristan Wolf and David Lifson who combined for six hits and four runs. Zach Barsamian reached base twice and made a key defensive play. Alec Zaccardo had two key defensive plays and stood out with excellent base-running. The Orioles’ bats came alive in the fourth inning when they scored six runs.  The Orioles offensive stars included Harrison Reiter (3 hits, 3 runs scored), Haydn Herrema (3 hits, 3 runs scored, RBI), Adam Thomas (3 hits, 3 runs scored, 3 RBIs) and Archie Stewart (1B, 2 2B, 3 RBIs, run scored). A.J. Cataldo capped the scoring with a two-run homer over the fence in right center. The Orioles pitching was paced by Thomas, Stewart, Alex Gullotti and Thomas Griffin who combined for nine strikeouts. 

Cardinals 8, Phillies 7

The Cardinals’ Greer Fried (1B, BB, SB, 1 run scored) worked a bases-loaded walk to force in Jack Fletcher with the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Cardinals defeated the Phillies, 8-7.  The Phillies’ Jack McKeon forced the game into extra innings, tying the game in the top of the sixth with a two-run blast to deep left field.  The teams traded leads several times during the game. Other offensive stars for the Phillies included James Dillon (2-3, 2 2Bs, 2 RBIs) and Aidan Rogers (1-1, 3 BBs, 2 runs scored). Dominic Garzone (3 Ks), McKeon (2 Ks, 1 ER) and Dillon (6 Ks) led the Phillies’ pitching staff.  Cardinals’ offense was powered by Fried, Ben Hankey (2 1Bs, run scored, RBI), Thomas Bacon (run scored) and Jacob Pullen (1B, 2 runs scored). Defensively, the Cardinals received great pitching from William Fletcher (3 IPs, 3 Ks, 2 ER), Ethan Weisman (4^th inning hold), and Ben Hankey (3 IPs, 1 ER).  In the field, Conor Lee contributed three put-outs, leftfielder Ivan Orup threw a perfect strike to nail a runner at second base.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012

Orioles 19, Giants 7

The Orioles defeated the Giants 19-7 as both teams came out with big offensive innings.  The Giants took an early lead, scoring five runs in the second inning. The Orioles roared right back with seven runs in the third inning, and then scored 11 more runs in the fourth. The Orioles’ offensive highlights were led by A.J. Cataldo (2B, 3B, RBI, run scored), Archie Stewart (4 hits, 4 RBIs), Adam Thomas (3 hits, 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored) and Jack Coletti (3 BB, 3 runs scored). Brendan Frain broke the game open with a bases-loaded triple down the left field line. On the mound, Frain pitched a scoreless inning and Coletti struck out two. Haydn Herrema got the win with two strong innings and three strikeouts. Leading the offensive charge for the Giants were Keith Schmelter (1B, BB, 2 runs scored), Matthew Cunningham (2B, 2 RBIs, BB, run scored), Lucas Lisman (3 BBs, 2B, RBI) and Andrew Guerra (2 hits, run scored).  Paul Forrester ripped a line shot single in the second inning.  Sam Scribner pitched two solid innings giving up one run and teammate Guerra pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

Rangers 6, Athletics 2

The Rangers defeated the A's 6-2 in a well-played game.  Michael Kossuth pitched three outstanding innings for the Rangers allowing just one run, while striking out five batters. JB Clarance pitched two strong innings in relief (1 ER, 3Ks) and Joey Caleiro (3Ks) closed out the game with a scoreless sixth inning. The Rangers’ offense was led by Colin Garvin (3 hits, 2B, 3B, 2 runs scored), Kossuth (2 hits, 2B, 2 runs scored), Tristan Wolf (2 hits), and David Lifson (1B, run scored). For the A’s, William Stone pitched three strong innings, allowing just two runs.  David Andrysiak also pitched well and had a couple of key defensive plays in the field, including a perfect throw to Victor Figueroa to nail a runner at home plate for an out. Peter Lindblom made a great lunging catch at first base, and Ben Fasciano made the play of the game, a diving stop of a hard-hit ball at shortstop.

Rays 22, Royals 14

The Rays won the regular season re-match against the Royals, 22-14. Both teams featured explosive offenses. All players for the Rays reached base safely and scored at least one run.  The Rays had key extra base hits from Christian Smith (3B, 2 RBIs), Chris Reilly (3B, 2 RBIs), Ben Kateman (2B, 2 RBIs) and Rory Bordiuk (3B, 3 RBIs). Stephen Brackett (1B, 3 BB) scored four runs and made two key defensive plays to halt Royals’ rallies. Jake Titus (3 1Bs, 2 BBs) scored three runs and pitched two solid innings to start the game. Kateman, and Bordiuk pitched quality innings in relief to set up Brett Parker (2K) who closed out the game in the bottom of the sixth. The Royals kept fighting back with offensive output led by Sam Winneg (3-4 3 1Bs 3 runs scored), James Ensley (3-4 3 1Bs 2 runs scored), Drew Teitelbaum (2 1Bs, 2 runs scored), Braden O'Connell (2 1Bs  run scored), and Abby Volo (2-3 2 1Bs 2 runs scored). The pitching was led by James Ensley, Jake MacKenzi, and Ryan Cusick, and Jack Maillet and O’Connell turned in key late game pitching performances. Everyone on the Royals either scored or had hits.

Cardinals 6, Marlins 6

Dan Desmerais, Jonathan Vellom, and Thomas Palmer each doubled to help the Marlins rally for three runs in the top of the sixth inning to gain a 6-6 tie with the Cardinals. Will Fraser (1B, 2 runs scored), Kenneth Ho (1B, run scored), and Milind Lele (1B, run scored) also contributed offensively. The Marlins received solid pitching performances from Lele, Fraser and Vellom. The Cardinals’ offense was led by William Fletcher (1B, 3B, 2 RBIs, run scored, SB) and Connor Lachman (2 1Bs, 2 SB, 3 runs scored).  Jacob Pullen, Kyle Smith and Ben Hankey each contributed an RBI while Conor Lee and Greer Fried each scored a run.  Defensively, Jacob Pullen pitched three perfect innings and did not allow a hit. Jack Fletcher snared a line shot back up the middle and made a great catch in right field to end the Marlins’ rally in the sixth to preserve the tie.

Pirates 17, Phillies 2

The Pirates and the Phillies’ pitching staff were locked in a tight duel until the Pirates opened up the game with a 10-run fifth inning and coasted to a 17-2 victory.  The Pirates pitching staff was led by Brett Flanagan (3 K’s) who only allowed one run. Pirates relievers Jack Reading, Andrew Sanderson and Nicholas Mitchell held the Phillies to two hits and one run over the final three innings. The Pirates turned in two defensive gems in the game, one on a ball crushed to centerfield by the Phillies’ Aidan Rogers. Pirates centerfielder Sanderson made a great relay throw to the plate where Jake Erman applied the tag to catch the Phillies’ Aidan Sliwkowski at the plate and end the inning. The second defensive gem was turned in by the Pirates’ infield. With Phillies runner Peter Rizzotti on second, teammate James Dillion hit a smash to short, where Pirates’ shortstop Henry Warzecha fired to first baseman Matthew Perricone, who turned and fired back across the diamond to third baseman George Curry to complete the double play. The Pirates’ offense was led by Flanagan (2 2Bs, 2 1Bs, 4 RBIs), Sanderson (3 1Bs), Warcheza (2B, 1B) and a huge triple from Jack Sorbo. Also adding to the offensive attack were Erman, Perricone, and Mitchell, while Tate Ciccollo, Reading and Curry each scored twice. For the Phillies, Peter Rizzotti pitched three strong innings and recorded eight strikeouts. Hits by Alex Cannon, Aidan Sliwkowski, and Dominic Garzone were the offensive highlights for the Phillies. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

Cardinals 15, Giants 4

The Cardinals defeated the Giants 15-4 in their season opener, taking a lead in the fourth inning and never looking back. Offensively, the Cardinals were led by William Fletcher (BB, 1B, 2B, 2 runs scored, 3 RBIs), Ben Hankey (1B, 2B, run scored, 3 RBIs), Jacob Pullen (2 BB, 2B, 3 runs scored, RBI) and Ethan Weisman (3B, 3 RBIs). Ivan Orup and Connor Lachman each scored three runs and Jack Fletcher and Thomas Bacon each scored once. Defensively the Cardinals were led by pitchers William Fletcher (0 runs, 0 hits, 4 Ks in 2.2 innings) and Ben Hankey (1 IP, ER, 1hit, 2 Ks). Greer Fried made a great stop at second and completed the 4-3 put-out with the bases loaded and two outs to end the Giants four-run rally in the fourth.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Pirates 8, Rangers 3

The Pirates outdueled the Rangers, 8-3, in the season opener for each team.  Pirates’ starter Matt Perricone (4 K’s) threw two scoreless innings. Relievers Tate Ciccolo (2 Ks), Jack Sorbo (2 Ks) and Joey Palmerino (5 Ks) held the Rangers’ offense to just three runs. Pirates’ catcher Brett Flanagan made the defensive play of the game when he snagged a wild pitch in the dirt that got away from him, quickly recovered and tagged out a angers’ runner attempting to score to end the inning and squash the Rangers’ rally. Powering the Pirates’ offense were Sorbo who tripled, and base hits from from Palmerino, Perricone, Andrew Sanderson, and Henry Warzecha. Jake Erman reached base safely and scored, as did Nicholas Mitchell and Jack Reading. Rangers’ starter Joey Caleiro tossed two shutout innings and teammates Colin Garvin and Tristan Wolf also turned in strong performances on the mound. Offensively for the Rangers, Andrew Gigliotti scored twp runs and Zach Barsamian had a big RBI.  Charlie Cavanaugh was solid behind the plate, and Michael Kossuth, Garvin and Alec Zaccardo all made key defensive plays.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

Phillies 11, Marlins 9

The Phillies won a very tight game over the Marlins, 11-9. Kenneth Ho, Blake Danzinger, Milind Lele and Jonathan Vellom led the way at the plate for the Marlins, while Vellom also had a strong outing on the mound.  James Dillion (2-3, 4 RBIs), Jack McKeon (1-2, 3B, 2RBIs), and Liam Huston (1-2, 2 RBIs) led the hitting attack for the Phillies.  After the Marlins scored eight runs in the second inning, the Phillies’ pitching staff settled down with Ethan Benton (2 IP, 5 Ks) and Peter Rizzotti (1 IP, 3Ks) leading the way with solid performances.  Alex Cannon also made an important leaping catch in left field to help the Phillies defensively.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012

Royals 7, Rays 2

The Rays dropped their opening game to the Royals, 7-2. Rays’ starting pitcher Rory Bordiuk had two consecutive 1-2-3 innings, facing six batters and striking out three. Royals’ pitchers Ryan Cusick, Abby Volo and Ethan Beatty combined for six solid innings surrendering just two runs on four hits and fanning 13 batters. Stephen Brackett (BB, 1B) was the catalyst for the Rays’ offense, scoring both runs on scrappy baserunning and timely hitting by Jake Titus (1B, FC). Tyler George drew a walk, singled and stole a base, and teammate Ryan Barrera hammered a double in the fourth inning. Chris Reilly pitched two and a third solid innings for the Rays and made several good defensive plays. Rightfielder Tim Quirk made a great catch on a fast-dropping pop fly in the sixth inning.  Jake Mackenzi, Cusick (run scored) and Jack Maillet combined for great defense for the Royals. Catcher Seamus Fagan (1B, run scored) made a sparkling defensive put-out from behind the plate to end a late-game Rays’ rally. James Ensley (2B) drove in two runs and Braden O’Connell’s double also produced an RBI. Sam Winneg (1B), Volo, Noah Gies and Drew Teitelbaum each scored a run for the Royals.

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012

Orioles 6, A’s 4

The Orioles edged the A's, 6-4, in seven innings in their first game of the 2012 season. 

The A’s William Stone (1B, 2B) sent the game into extra innings with a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game 4-4. Kunaal Verma, Max Durante, Stone and Joseph Sziabowski combined to record sixteen strikeouts for the A’s.  On the mound, the Orioles were paced by Adam Thomas, Archie Stewart and Alex Gullotti who combined to strike out 10 batters with Gullotti capturing the win. Archie Stewart led the Orioles’ offense with three hits and four RBIs. Nate Nickerson and Brendan Frain also contributed key hits and scored two runs in the seventh inning. Vincent Richard had two stolen bases and scored a run early in the game.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Roundup courtesy Paula Mackenzi.)