All-Star Baseball: Brown Pitches a Gem, Shutting Down Warwick National

Those in attendance on Wednesday night saw a dominant performance by one pitcher. Central Coventry faced off against Warwick National, in the District 3 12-year-old bracket, at the Bend St. Athletic Complex in Warwick in a matchup of two unbeaten teams.

Warwick National had won their three previous games by a combined score of 26-1. Justin Brown's no-hitter in 5 and two thirds innings led Central Coventry to a 6-0 victory.

In the bottom half of the second, Coventry seemed poised to take the lead. They had the bases loaded and one out. On a fly ball to right fielder Sean Blanchard, the runner from third tagged, but was gunned down by Blanchard's near perfect throw. The runner was out at home, completing the double play, and Warwick National had escaped without surrendering a run.

Through three innings of play, Brown had only allowed one walk and had recorded six strikeouts. He would finish with 13 K's in 5 2/3 innings pitched and did not allow a hit.

After the game, the two coaches weighed in on his performance. "It amazes me that I get the opportunity to coach that kid and he’s a great player," Central Coventry head coach Anthony Feole said.

"He was tough and was throwing a lot of strikes," Jay Brown, Warwick National's coach said.

In the bottom of the third, Coventry provided the only run support he would need. Matt Mansour and Mason Feole delivered RBI singles, and Central Coventry took a 2-0 lead.

Coventry broke it open in the next inning scoring three runs, to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Matt Buglio's RBI single down the third base line drove the fourth and fifth runs. They would score an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth, upping the lead to 6-0.

"We are a good hitting team," Feole added.

Brown struck out the final two batters he faced in the sixth inning, but went over the 85 pitch minimum. Mason Feole came into the game and recorded the final out on a liner to the first baseman.

Warwick National advances to the finals of the losers bracket and Central Coventry advances to the finals of the tournament, where they will have to be beaten twice or they will win the championship.

"Mr. Brown is a great coach and his son Elijah Brown is one of the best ballplayers in the state of Rhode Island," Central Coventry's coach added.

"My kids did not back down and I still feel we are one of the better teams in this district," Warwick coach Jay Brown added.