Babe Ruth Team Just Misses Championship Title

Submitted by Coach Rod Jané.

A team of talented teen baseball players finished their recent season as runners-up in the I-495 Babe Ruth League 13-Year-Old Division. Westborough chalked up a 12-6 record, advanced through the playoffs and onto the finals before losing a cliffhanger to Marlborough, 5-3 in the third game of a best-of-three series.  

Prior to meeting Marlborough in the finals, Westborough played its best game of the year in the semifinals. The boys defeated a very strong Southborough team 12-0 behind outstanding hitting from the entire line-up and shutout pitching by Jason Hurkmans and Andrew Lavine.

During the first of the championship games, Westborough came from behind to win 6-3. Trailing 3-2 in the sixth inning, the team launched a furious comeback. Julian Bosch’s ground ball ingle in the middle with the bases loaded tied the game, 3-3. Matt Jané then followed with a bases loaded line drive single to center field to put Westborough ahead 4-3. Danny Lis, Dylan Castell, and Andrew Lavine all pitched effectively in holding a strong Marlborough line-up to only 3 runs. 

In Game 2, Westborough faced a formidable Marlborough left-handed starting pitcher who stood 6' 2" and threw very hard. Westborough was a little overmatched the first few innings, falling behind 4-0. The team never gave up, however, and continued to scrap away – eventually whittling the lead down to 5-4 before losing a tough one 6-4. 

The deciding game in the series saw Marlborough once again jump to an early 4-0 lead. Excellent relief pitching by Tucker Morin and some aggressive base running by Westborough allowed the boys to climb within two runs 5-3 going into the last inning. In a tense finish, Westborough loaded the bases with one out but was unable to score, when the Marlborough shortstop made a brilliant unassisted play to force the final out at second base. That sealed the championship for Marlborough, and Westborough had to settle for hard-earned runners-up trophies, a very respectable finish. The team was second in a field of nine teams.  

The team's excellent play was marked by deep and consistent pitching from their starting rotation of Jason Hurkmans, Andrew Lavine, Matt Jané and Danny Lis, with effective relief pitching from Anthony Casparriello, Tucker Morin, Julian Bosch and Dylan Castell. Westborough played sterling defense featuring an airtight infield led by Anthony Casparriello and Jason Hurkmans, who both consistently made great scoops and picks at first base. Andrew Lavine demonstrated great game awareness at second base. Dylan Castell made one spectacular play after another at shortstop, and Matt Jané displayed solid glove work and a strong accurate arm at third base.   

Westborough featured a quick and athletic outfield led by the speedy catches of Nick Steudel, Jon Gross, Anthony Casparriello and some nifty glove work by Owen Smallcomb, Kush Patel, Matt Pickering, Tim Askew, and Connor Foody. Westborough had one of the strongest catching tandems in the league with Tucker Morin, Jason Hurkmans, and Danny Lis teaming up to consistently make difficult stops and strong throws to all bases. Perhaps the most valuable defensive player, and definitely the most flexible, was Danny Lis who showed the ability to play all nine positions, including pitcher and catcher, at a high skill level.

Westborough's hitting was excellent throughout with a consistent top-to-bottom line-up that featured power hitting from Dylan Castell, Anthony Casparriello, Tucker Morin, Jason Hurkmans and Matt Pickering supported by consistent hitting and aggressive base running by the entire line-up.

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