Westfield North’s All Stars prepare to remove their caps for the National Anthem yesterday at Paper Mill Field. (Photo by Peter Francis)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield North Little League 11-12 year old All-Stars continued their march to a number one seed in their district tournament last night, earning a forfeit victory over visiting Longmeadow at Paper Mill Field.
Led by a balanced offensive attack paced by the bats of Joe Raco, Mike Nihill and Cam Davignon, who recorded an RBI each, North would end the visiting team’s night early, as Spencer Cloutier would jack a two run homer in the top of the second to give the red squad a 6-0 lead, which Longmeadow would cement with a weather-induced forfeit.
Paper Mill umpires called a rain delay as Raco sauntered to the plate for what he thought would be his second at-bat. While the field’s grounds crew sprang into action, sprinkling the field with fresh dirt and receiving cheers from the North dugout, Longmeadow chose to hit the showers early, calling a forfeit and effectively ending their all-star season.
Westfield North pitcher Jimmy Hagen threw only eight pitches on the evening, but was dominant, getting a strikeout and two groundouts to get his side back up to bat.
After the game, North skipper Mike Nihill spoke of his team’s season thus far, and a likely showdown with Westfield South in the district’s final this weekend.
Westfield North’s Cade Bradley (#5) converses with teammates during a rain delay at Paper Mill Field yesterday.(Photo By Peter Francis)
“We’re undefeated going into the postseason, so we will likely face South,” he said as the rain poured outside the dugout. “This is the rivalry we’ve been looking for.”
Nihill praised his team’s efforts on the evening, most notably Hagen, who threw eight “really good pitches” and saying that he is looking forward to his ace Carter Cousins taking the mound this weekend.
“We’re gonna ride him to the end,” Nihill said, in eager anticipation of his team’s chance to bring home another title.
