Aston-Middletown Becomes District Champions In Thrilling Come-From-Behind Victory

Last Wednesday night, the twelve year-olds from Aston-Middletown Little League lost a crushing heartbreaker to Newtown-Edgmont by falling short 11-10 at a game where parents and players from the opposing team were using hurtful words as a scare tactic.

When AMLL went into the loser bracket, players from the NELL team came and sat on the bench next to Aston's dugout and cheered on the opposing team from Media and once again using inappropriate words and chants. A scare tactic indeed.

AMLL didn't let it get to them. They won against Media. After defeating them, Aston-Middletown would have to beat the team from Newtown-Edgmont twice in order to become District champs. But AMLL fought on.

Aston-Middletown put their blinders on and defeated NELL in Game 1 by a final of 11-5, setting up win or go home Game 2 to played Monday night. It was clear that the kids from NELL were getting frustrated. Their shortstop and suppose to be starting pitcher was ejected in the last inning and suspended for Game 2 due to his bad behavior.

The home team, AMLL, sent out Nick Chelo to start on the mound. He was able to pitch a scoreless two innings.

In the top off the 3rd, NELL struck first putting a two spot on the board. They then added another run in the top of the 4th. When it was Aston's turn to bat, Christian Reed hit a long lead off home run to cut Newtown-Edgmont's deficit down to two.

Things went downhill for AMLL in the top of the 5th, as NELL was able to put up three runs off a long home-run to give themselves a 6-1 lead going into the bottom of the 5th with the bats quite on AMLL's side of the diamond.

But they were able to get themselves rolling back to the old ways, realizing that this could be the last 2 innings in their Little League career with the rivalry against Newtown-Edgmont fueling the team as well.

Colin Flaherty led things off with a solo home-run cutting the lead down to four.

With two runners on with one out, Quinten Perilli hit a ground ball that was overthrown to the first baseman. The costly error scored two runs and Perilli's quick wheels made it all the way around to third base. The gap was closing on Newtown-Edgmont.

Christian Reed that stepped up to the box and hit a hard single into right to score Perilli and make it 6-5 ball game.

After Roman Tozzi and Nikko Partsanakis both got on base to load up the bases, Colin Flaherty returned up to bat. After starting the rally with a solo shot, he finished off the rally with an RBI single to make it 6-6 going into the 6th inning.

This is where the AMLL domination came in with Quinten Perilli going out on the mound to try and close things off. First batter,K! Second batter, K! Third batter, K! Perilli stuck out the side, ALL LOOKING, and now AMLL was on to try and take home the W.

After Bonebrake grounded into a fielders choice, Perilli was able to draw a walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd with Reed coming up to the plate.

The pressure was all on Reed with one out. The completely packed out complex filled with hundreds of fans suddenly went silence as the pitch came and - CRANK!

A line drive base hit into right-center field! Manager Chris Chelo gave Bonebrake the green light waving him home! "Bones" was rounding third heading towards home and the throw was cut-off! AMLL wins off an RBI single from Christian Reed!

The 12 year-olds from Aston-Middletown get redemption and win their 3rd Straight District-19 Championship!

Christian Reed was the hero Monday as he finished the night off with a home-run, two singles, and three RBI's.

It was truly a nail-biting ending that these kids and parents won't soon forget.

These hardworking and talented kids fought hard and showed true teamwork as they put up a record scoring 63 runs, and nearly 20 home-runs during their 6 District Games. They outscored their opponents 63 to 27. Both their offensive and pitching were key during these 6 games.

But this may be just the beginning of a long journey for AMLL. They now move on to Sections. Their first game will be played this Saturday, July 16th. If they can win that, they will move onto states.

It's been an impressive run for the 12 year-old team. They will look to continue their hot streak into Saturday. But for now, they will celebrate.