Bellmore Little League 11U Defeated in Championship Game

Even though the Bellmore Little League 11U team is referred to as the best in its division in four years, it was a tough battle to get this far. However, their determination was cut short by a 12-1 loss to Massapequa in Sunday's championship game.

Coach Danny Bendig offered words of encouragement to his team before the game. Bellmore was down to only nine players on their team for the game, which meant there wasn't any room for injuries.

"Nobody can get hurt or thrown out today," Coach Bendig said. "If you're arm is hanging off we'll get some duct tape and you'll play first," he quipped.

They were advised to play hard and not to be nervous because they deserved to be in this game against Massapequa.

"I don't want to see anyone's head down today - keep your heads up," the coach continued.

In the first inning Massapequa hit two ground balls to the infield off Danny Bendig. Bellmore's infield couldn't stay focused, which resulted in two fielding errors. Massapequa capitalized on the errors with a three-run inning led by a three-run homerun to center field.

Massapequa never looked back after that inning. Bellmore's only run was scored in the bottom of the third inning. With a lead off walk followed by a single, Bellmore had runners on first and second. Luke Brush ended up scoring a run on a fielder's choice in the inning to put Bellmore on the board. Unfortunately that was their only run of the game.

The game ended 12-1 in Massapequa's favor. Bellmore kept their heads held up high after the loss.

"We didn't get here by luck we got here by skill and determination, and I'm proud of these boys," Coach Bendig said.