Westfield American Little League pitcher David Tirrell delivers to a National batter during yesterday’s game at the Ralph Sanville Memorial Field on Cross St. (Photo by Frederick Gore/www.thewestfieldnews.smugmug.com)
WESTFIELD – A sweep of a crosstown rival is always special, and the Westfield American 10-11 year olds are enjoying the sweet smell of a sweep, besting rival Westfield National 11-0 for the fourth straight game to clinch their district Little League championship.
American notched five runs in the first inning, five runs in the second and one run in the third to build an insurmountable lead at last night.
Starting pitcher David Tirrell served as the catalyst for American’s success in the series, pitching all four innings on the evening, striking out six batters without giving up a hit.
In fact, Tirrell earned each win in the series for American due to pitching one or two innings in each game, according to American coach Mike Raposo, who credited the crucial erformances of players such as second baseman Jake Labombard in the deciding game.
National Little League pitcher Chris Barber delivers to an American batter during yesterday’s game at the Ralph Sanville Memorial Field on Cross St. (Photo by Frederick Gore/www.thewestfieldnews.smugmug.com)
“He (Labombard) caught a line drive and doubled up a kid at first, which was our big highlight defensively.” Raposo said, before referring to his team’s offensive evening, keyed by who else but the blue team’s ace.
“Tirrell went two for three with a double and three runs batted in. He played really well at the number three spot in our lineup, but the top of order was really solid all series,” he added. “But top to bottom, everybody hit through the series.”
Trent Adam launched a three run home run in the first inning which Raposo said “set the tone” for his squad. Shortstop Brennan Jarvis also went two for three with a double and two RBIs on the night.
“Our guys really came to play, starting with our first practice a couple of weeks ago,” Raposo said. “I thought they were really well prepared. They’re the type of group that would come early to practice and you can’t get rid of them. They’re all gamers, they just want to play.”
Next up for the new District 2 Champions is a state sectional date with the winners of District 1 and District 4, which are comprised mostly of the cities of Pittsfield and Worcester, respectively.
Westfield’s next game will be tomorrow on Cross Street, while their opponent is yet to be determined.
