Lacey Little League All Stars Win AAA District 18 Senior Minor Tournament

After many of the kids who played on the Lacey Little League District 18 tournament winning All Star team just missed the cut to travel to Williamsport, PA for a chance to play for the Little League World Series, it was a bittersweet moment for the young athletes.

Obviously disappointed in not being chosen, many were delighted with another opportunity with another All Star team. 

The Lacey All Star's managed to come together in just a few days and excelled, winning the Toms River hosted AAA District 18 tournament.

Lacey proved stronger than four of the Toms River Little League teams, Manchester, Beachwood, and Hollbrook, on the road to the championship.

Jerry Kraus, head coach of the Lacey squad, mentioned the 9 to 11 year olds that made up his squad, certainly might have came in with a little more motivation.

"First of all, I just wanted to thank the parents," said Kraus, "It's tough with all these extra games going on, and they are all on the road. We try to make it as fun for the kids as possible, especially after some of them might have missed out on the, so called, district teams. I think a few of them definitely played with a chip on their shoulder throughout the tournament."

Lacey started slow with a 1-2 record in their initial pool of Toms River Nationals, Toms River Americans, and Manchester. 

However, this Lacey team thrived in pressure situations. Lacey would play with their back against the wall in three straight playoff single elimination games, winning all three.

On Saturday, July 16, pitching was the key for Lacey, as they ousted the top seeded Toms River East Americans by a score of 4-0. Nick Ferraioli struck out nine batters through five and two thirds innings, while George Lapinski had four key strikeouts to close out the game. Lapinski, Garrett Kraus, and Eddie Walsh each had big hits in the sixth inning, where Lacey tacked on three insurance runs.

Moving on to the semi-finals, Lacey bumped into a familiar foe in the Toms River Nationals, who they had lost to 10-6 back in pool play.

In a total slugfest, Lacey escaped with a 12-11 win, nearly squandering a 6-0 lead early. "All the boys contributed with hits and both teams just hit the ball well," said Kraus.

The coach noted Shane Richardson kept Lacey in the game with his pitching, while, once again, George Lapinski closed out. Lapinski fanned three batters and induced numerous groundouts. With the win, Lacey clinched a berth in the Finals.

Awaiting Lacey in the finals was Manchester. With the perfect mix of pitching seen in the first round game, and offensive explosion found in the second, Lacey would blow out Manchester 22-4, en route to the championship.

Lapinski closed this shortened five-inning game (due to mercy rule; up 12 after five innings) as well, with Ferraioli striking out five with the start. The coach noted it was a team effort, with everyone contributing and getting hits. Kraus was most impressed with his defense though, speaking in particular about Shane Richardson turning an unassisted double play. Richardson was playing first base when a screaming line drive found his mitt and he proceeded to tag the runner.

"We had strong hitting from David Frett, Eddie Walsh, Shane Richardson, Michael Reilly, Devon Butler, Garrett Kraus and Nick Ferraioli during the tournament.  All the boys played well together and a fun time," said Kraus.

Kraus was impressed with his catcher trio also. Cameron Bassford, Garret Reilly, and Garrett Kraus all performed well, blocking balls, tagging out runners and throwing out runners too.

The full roster consists of Eddie Walsh, Shane Richardson, Cameron Bassford, David Frett, Michael Reilly, Nick Ferraioli, David Butler, Garrett Reilly, George Lapinski, Garrett Kraus and Seth Geraghty. While Tim Richardson, Ray Butler, and Steve Bassford were assistant coaches.