WESTFIELD – Arlington was awfully close at one point, they almost had Tri Valley (CA) on the ropes. Down 6-3 with runners on 2nd and 3rd and two outs, Arlington (MA) grounded out to end their three-run rally in the bottom of the second inning.
The three runs that Arlington manufactured in that inning gave Tri Valley a fight.
“Up 6-3, we committed an error on a throw which is not like us,” said Tri Valley Manager David Grant.
Tri -Valley’s (CA) Asher Golden with the hard swing at the plate. (Photo by Kellie Adam)
It was a valiant effort from Arlington to cut into the Tri Valley lead, but it was as close as they were ever going to get. Tri Valley finished off Arlington 18-3 for the final score.
The kids from California were able to add more insurance runs with two in the top of the fourth followed by two more runs in the top of the fifth inning.
Dominating the contest at 12-3 in the top of the seventh, Tri Valley poured on six more runs to their helping. Overall, Tri Valley completed the game with 18 hits.
Thomas Gavello led the Tri Valley offense with three hits while driving in three runs. Joey Battilega and Jack Grant had two hits apiece.
Tri Valley focused on just simply putting the ball in play and the recipe was surely a success.
“Practice comes a long way when we actually go for long drives,” said Gavello. “That’s what we did today.”
The victory now makes Tri Valley 5-0 and the only team in the tournament to be undefeated. Tri Valley will now get a day off on Tuesday with a bye and then get ready to play in the semifinals on Wednesday night.
“A well-deserved day off for my boys tomorrow,” said Grant. “The boys know it’s single elimination now, it’s win or go home, we’ve got to put our best foot forward.”
