LEOMINSTER – The Westfield 14-Year-Old All-Stars were bounced from the state semifinals Tuesday night as Pittsfield rallied for eight unanswered runs to advance to the championship, 9-2. Pittsfield fell behind 2-1 early but took a 3-2 lead, and tacked on six more runs in the seventh inning.
Westfield need not worry though. The Whip City’s 14-Year-Old All-Stars will remain alive for a World Series berth as the host team for the regionals, beginning July 25.
“The kids are disappointed; we’re all disappointed,” Westfield 14-Year-Old All-Stars manager Troy St. Pierre said. “We’re fortunate we have the opportunity to stay in the regionals.”
Last year’s 13-year-old squad (the current 14s) lost in the state title game, but earned a berth by hosting regionals. Westfield took advantage of the opportunity, earning a World Series berth with a successful run through the tournament.
“Everyone has a 0-0 record at the start of the regionals,” St. Pierre said. “The past doesn’t matter. Everyone is on a level playing field. I think we will show up and do a little better.”
Ari Schwartz recorded six strikeouts in 5 innings for Westfield, and Austin St. Pierre went 2-for-3 with a walk, stolen base, and two runs scored.
Westfield squandered multiple opportunities early against Pittsfield’s ace pitcher, failing to take advantage of two bases-loaded situations.
15-YEAR-OLD ALL-STARS STATE SEMIFINAL
North Adams 11, Westfield 1 (5 inn.)
NORTH ADAMS – Errors continued to plague Westfield, which gave up five unearned runs early. North Adams secured the victory in the fifth inning with six additional runs.
Noah LaPlante pitched well for Westfield. Scott Hoiberg knocked in the team’s only run, scoring Ethan Gamble with an RBI double in the second inning. Gamble reached on a single and stole second base.
