WESTFIELD – A four-run second inning propelled Westfield American to a 5-2 victory over Holden at Cross Street on Saturday afternoon in game 1 of the Little League 10-year-old Sectionals.
A best of three series, Westfield will now head to Holden on Sunday for a 3 p.m. start. A win will make Westfield sectional champions, a loss will force a game three on Monday in Holden. The time for that game hasn’t been determined yet.
Westfield American’s Jacob Barnes makes it past the Holden catcher to score a run in Saturday’s game. (Photo by Marc St. Onge)
With the bases loaded in the top of the second, Jacob Barnes drew a walk to score Noah Amaral. Two batters later, Treygan Lemanski scored to drive in Brody DeBruin and Daniel Methe. Later in the inning, Joe Maffia would single to give Westfield a 4-0 cushion.
“We really preach to them to get on and get the bats going,” said Westfield American Manager Jason DeBruin. “I think we had runners in scoring position every inning, and our bats our great.”
After Holden got on the board to cut the deficit to three runs, Westfield answered right back in the top of the fourth to make it 5-1.
The 5-1 lead was more than enough protection for Westfield starting pitcher Joe Maffia. The right-hander struck out 11 batters through five innings, only allowing three hits.
“Joe’s a special kid, a special individual, it’s not just his physical attributes, it’s what he brings to the game mentally,” said Manager DeBruin. “He’s been consistent through the whole tournament.”
Offensively, Lemanski drove in a pair of runs while Maffia added a single and an RBI.
Heading into the game on Sunday with the crowning of Westfield American as Sectional champions a possibility, it’s important for them to be focused on the task at hand.
“We’re going into their place, it’s going to be a different atmosphere,” said DeBruin. “I really talked to the kids and preached to them that they can hit anyone.”
