Westfield American’s Aidan King attempts to record an out at first base against Pittsfield in a Little League Baseball sectional opener Wednesday night at Ralph E. Sanville Field. (Photo by Kellie Adam)
WESTFIELD – Pittsfield has done it again.
Often a thorn in the side of every Westfield baseball team at every level of play – Little League, Babe Ruth, high school, or Legion – Pittsfield drew first blood in the Little League sectionals.
Pittsfield mashed two homers and four extra base hits en route to a mercy-shortened 11-1 win over Westfield American in a Little League Baseball sectional opener Wednesday night at Ralph E. Sanville Field on Cross Street.
It was a rather odd start to the sectional opener.
Pittsfield starting pitcher Kieran Coscia started off by retiring the side, but was quickly pulled in the second after issuing a homer and two walks. Luke Mele and Patrick Rindross hit consecutive singles to start Pittsfield’s half of the first inning before Westfield American pitcher Troy Hevey struck out two straight batters. A Bo Bramer infield single loaded the bases, but Hevey forced a ground out to end the inning.
Both teams unloaded with home runs in the second inning – Alex LaCourse hit a line drive solo shot to center field for Westfield American and Pittsfield’s Nolan DeGroff hit a towering two-run dinger over the left field fence.
Pittsfield exploded in the third inning.
Owen Kroboth and Kaden Codey reached base with base hits in the third. A run-scoring wild pitch and fielder’s choice RBI gave Pittsfield a three-run lead.
Pittsfield continued to do damage in the inning with a double from DeGroff, a Michael Grady single, a Mele two-run triple, an ensuing walk to Rindross and run-scoring wild pitch, followed by a two-run homer to left field by Brendan Stannard for a 9-1 advantage.
Westfield attempted to rally in the fourth – Dan Provost singled and Aidan King reached on an infield error – but Pittsfield’s bullpen retired three straight batters (two by K) to end the inning.
Pittsfield relievers continued to own the late innings, striking out Westfield American’s first two batters and forcing a pop fly with a runner on base.
Pittsfield ended it in the fifth when Stannard’s RBI single widened the margin to 10.
Westfield American will attempt to bounce back Thursday night at Leominster National, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
