Cipriani's Timely Blast Sends Elmwood Home

Down six runs and with just three outs left, the Portsmouth 11-12-year-old all-star team's chances of advancing to the state championship seemed unattainable. However, Portsmouth never said die; in the top of the sixth inning the team came together and rallied to drive in six runs against the eighth-seeded Elmwood.

Portsmouth's comeback forced the game into extra innings, but thanks to the potent bat of Nick Cipriani the game ended after seven innings; Cipriani launched a towering game-winning home run in the top of the seventh inning, his second home run of the game. After the go-ahead blast , Portsmouth closed the door, retiring Elmwood and any chance of a comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Cipriani's bat has played a key role in sparking a strong Portsmouth offensive attack. He has hit two home runs in each game of the state tournament. With Cipriani's timely hitting and his teammate's' efficient and mistake-free play, Portsmouth will take on Cumberland National in the state final.

Portsmouth, the winners of the loser's bracket, will need to beat Cumberland National twice in order to advance to the regional tournament in Bristol, Conn. The two finalists will meet Thursday, July 29, in Rumford at 6:45. If Cumberland National wins then they will advance to Bristol. If Portsmouth wins they will force a final game in order to decide the Major League All-Star champion on Saturday, Aug. 31.