Toms River Wins State Little League Championship

By Karen Wall

It was a battle from start to finish, but the Toms River Little League All-Stars outlasted the Ocean CIty-Upper Township All-Stars, 7-6, to win the Joe Graziano State Little League Championships on Monday night.

Ocean City had the bases loaded with two outs and Eric Greening, a solid home run hitter, at the plate when the Toms River coaching staff gave the ball to Kayla Roncin and asked her to finish off the relief effort started by Alex Civitello.

With one pitch, Roncin settled it -- but not without the heroic running, diving catch by starting pitcher-turned-centerfielder Jon Giordano, setting off a celebration for the Toms River faithful. Roncin crushed a towering two-run home run earlier in the game to give Toms River a 4-2 lead and fire in their eyes.

For more on the game, including photos and video, check back with the Patch.