Rye Edges Elmsford to Advance in Little League Playoffs

For a long time Tuesday night, it seemed as if the nothing could go right for the Rye 12-year-old Tournament team.

Rye starting pitcher George Kirby was excellent in his debut, holding Elmsford to three runs over five innings, but Rye couldn't ignite an offense.

"It felt like we couldn't get into a rhythm offensively in the early innings," said  Manager Mark Johnson.

"I knew if we kept grinding we'd get our opportunities," he said.

After falling behind 3-0 in the second inning, Rye couldn't muster much offense against Elmsford starter Matt Webster.

But then Rye, down to their last three outs, finally made their way onto the scoreboard in the top of the sixth inning.

Chase Pratt started the rally with a single up the middle of the field followed by Ryan Anderson's base hit to left field. Then with no outs, Joe Zulli drilled a line drive off of Webster's shin, allowing Pratt to score and Anderson to advance.

Tim Hale and Tommy O'Brien both beat out infield singles scoring Anderson and Zulli.

Hale then scored on an infield error. A passed ball allowed O'Brien to extend the lead to 5-3 for the eventual victory.

It would only get worse for Elmsford from there as they loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.

Rye closer Ryan Popp struck out the final batter on four pitches to end the threat.

"Give both pitchers credit," Johnson said. "Kirby and Webster pitched a great game; the only difference is we got a few breaks in the last inning and capitalized on them."

Rye advances to the next round of the District 20 winners bracket.

They will play Sherman Park on Tuesday, July 6 at Volunteer Field in Hawthorne, New York at 7:45 p.m.

Rye Little League President Myles Lavelle provided the information for this story.