SOUTHAMPTON – The Little League district semifinal game between the Westfield North and Southampton 12-year-old All-Stars was a roller coaster ride of emotions. Fortunately for the Whip City boys, the ride ended for the opposition.
Westfield North put together a seemingly commanding 8-0 advantage early in Saturday’s district semifinal before the lead evaporated into a 9-9 tie late. But the North scraped out a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth and hung on for a thrilling 11-9 win.
Rory Tettemer laid down the game-winning sacrifice bunt, Matt Masciadrelli added an insurance run with a one-run homer, and reliever Nate Boucher struck out the last two batters to escape Southampton with the narrow victory.
The North advances to play the South in a district championship double header Monday evening at Cross Street Field. First pitch for the 11-year-old All-Stars, also featuring the North and South, will take place at 3 p.m., followed by the 12s at 6 p.m.
“Southampton was creeping back, I was getting that feeling, but the kids never gave up,” Westfield North 12s manager Mike Bazegian said.
Nate Boulay blasted a double to get things started in the fifth inning. Tettemer followed with a sac-bunt. Boulay advanced to third base with the hit, rounded third and beat the throw home from the first baseman.
“I dropped down a bunt and ran for my life,” Tettemer said. “I didn’t know Nate was coming around (to score).”
Masciadrelli followed with a solo shot, the team’s third home run of the game. Dalen Mochak and Boulay (2-run) each belted homers in the second inning.
Westfield pitcher Aidan Dunn (5 Ks) pitched the first 4 1-3 innings. Nate Boucher came on in relief duty. He struck out three batters, including the final two to preserve the victory.
Boucher tossed out a few parting words in regards to Monday evening’s championship bout.
“We are expecting to win to move on,” Boucher said. “But it’s going to be a tough game. It’s going to take teamwork and team defense (to win).”
