Rye Little League Rangers Crowned Major Division Champions

Three runs in the top of the first led the Rye Little League Rangers to a 5-3 victory over the Braves in the 2010 Major Division Championship Saturday.

At Rye's Grainger Field, the Rangers scored two more runs in the top of the second and fourth innings for a 5-0 lead before the Braves stepped up to score three in the top of the fifth and close the gap to 5-3.

The Braves had one last opportunity to even the game 5-5 and take the lead, but Ranger Pitcher Matt Shainberg put a halt to their comeback in six innings of play.

Ranger Coach Bob Simmons credited his team's 3-0 start with their championship victory.

"We got off to a big lead and that was the difference in the game," Simmons said.

Braves Coach Mark Johnson said his team played a competitive game. 

"I thought we played pretty well," he said.

Joe Zulli struckout five batters, walking no batters in two innings pitched for the Rangers. Shainberg had six strikeouts and walked two batters in four innings pitched. 

Braves' pitcher James McHugh stuckout three batters, walking three in two innings pitched. Trevor Johnson struckout out four batters in four innings.

The Rangers end their championship season at 16-5, while the Braves finished with a 15-5 record.

Both teams had an exciting ride to the championship game.

The Rangers slipped past the Mets 10-8 on Monda, while the Braves edged the Giants 5-4 on Tuesday.

Select players from all major league teams will soon begin tournament team play. While divisional games are over, there is still a lot of baseball left to be played.