Long Valley's 13U Baseball Team Scores First-Ever District Title

The Long Valley 13U boys baseball team is thoroughly enjoying its summer break so far, and have made it a historic one to boot.

The team, made up of 12 players ages 12 and 13, beat Randolph to win the Babe Ruth District 7 Championship – the first 13U team from Long Valley to ever win its district. 

Long Valley finished pool play with a 3-1 record and took the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, losing only to No. 1 seed Randolph 8-7. In the playoffs, Long Valley first met No. 3 seed and defending district champion Mt. Olive. 

In the semi-finals, Long Valley led 4-2 when weather delayed the game. When the teams returned to the field Mt. Olive seized a 6-4 lead. But in the bottom of the 5th inning Long Valley came out swinging with 13 runs to put the game away and win 17-6.  

Key hits from Ryan Hall and Jacob McFarland along with contributions from all members of the lineup led to 10 different players scoring for Long Valley. Chris Gutowski pitched four strong innings holding Mt. Olive to six runs, and stopping a key rally by picking off a runner to end the 5th inning with two men in scoring position. 

With its sights set on the finals, it was time for Long Valley to avenge its only loss.

In the title game, Patrick Harrington and Bryce Sokolowski combined to hold Randolph to two runs over seven innings. Tommy Pellegrino played a key role as their battery mate by throwing out two base runners early.  

Offensively, Grant Jenkins, Sokolowski, and Joey Bietka each contributed two runs batted in. In the 7th inning with Long Valley’s lead trimmed to 4-2 Chris Gutowski lead off with a single and John Hartman followed with a double to left center. 

With two runners in scoring position, Bietka drove a double to deep right center making the score 6-2, giving Long Valley the lead for good.

Long Valley finished with a 5-1 record in the districts and will head to the state tournament round starting July 18 in South Orange/Maplewood. 

Team coaches include John Zgombic, John Gutowski, and Ted Sokolowski.

Information and photo provided by Ted Sokolowski.