Leominster National pitcher A.J. Colarusso (14) pitches to Westfield American Thursday night. (Photo by Chris Putz)
LEOMINSTER – A fantastic summer run by the city’s Little Leaguers has come to an end.
Leominster National cracked a pair of two-run homers en route to a 6-3 win over visiting Westfield American 6-3 in a 12-year-old sectional game Thursday night. The loss eliminated Westfield American from postseason play.
Westfield American came out firing on all cylinders.
Starting pitcher Dan Provost pitched effectively, retiring nine of the first 12 Leominster National batters he faced. Westfield American’s defense made one big play after another, and the team’s offense delivered a solid start.
Leominster National attempts to score at home plate against Westfield American in a Little League Baseball sectional game Thursday night. (Photo by Chris Putz)
Westfield American opened with the game’s first lead with a two-out rally midway through.
In the top of the fourth inning, Jeremy McCormick got Westfield American started by drawing a walk off Leominster National pitcher A.J. Colarusso. Aidan King followed with a double. Dominic Rinaldi, pinch-running for McCormick, scored on a wild pitch. Pinch-hitter Nick Montanaro hit an RBI double.
Westfield American pitcher Dan Provost winds up for a pitch Thursday night. (Photo by Chris Putz)
Leominster National quickly bounced back, tying the game with a booming two-run homer from Colarusso in the bottom half of the fourth. Two singles later, and a fielder’s choice RBI gave the home team a 3-2 advantage.
In the bottom of the fifth, Aaron Forgues doubled and Nick Garcia unleashed a two-run home run to five Leominster National a 5-2 lead. The home team tacked on an insurance run with a run-scoring base hit.
Westfield American attempted a late rally.
Provost singled off reliever Nick Garcia to lead off the top of the sixth. With two outs, Montanaro reached on a dropped third strike. Kareem Zaghloul knocked in a run before closer Kyle Rodgers recorded one out to end the game.
