WESTFIELD – Heading into the top of the ninth inning, Westfield and Pittsfield found themselves tied up at four runs apiece. Kyle MacDonald started off the inning for Pittsfield with a single to left field. Three batters later with runners on the corners, Michael Mansfield singled to break up the tie and give Pittsfield the 5-4 lead.
The run would ultimately become the deciding factor as Pittsfield defeated Westfield 5-4 (nine innings) in a Babe Ruth 13-year-old tournament game at Bullens Field. In game one of a three-game series, Pittsfield now has the 1-0 lead over Westfield in the series.
“It was a tough loss,” said Wesfield Manager Bruce Bradley. “We’re still extremely proud of the heart that they showed, the fight that they showed.”
Westfield did indeed show fight as they climbed their way back from a 3-0 deficit.
Enchaltegui was solid on the mound for Westfield, going seven innings strong. (Photo by Kellie Adam)
In the bottom half of the fourth, Westfield was able to put a run on the board. Joey Dekarski started the rally off with a single to center field. With Luis Enchaltegui up at bat, Dekarski stole second. After two consecutive outs, Nate Goodwin came in clutch and delivered a single to score Dekarski.
Westfield continued to waste no time as they were able to tie the ball game up in the bottom of the fifth. Adam Tremblay was able reach base on a walk. Trenton Adam then followed up with a single to left field. Just like that, the bases were loaded after Jake LaBombard reached first on an error.
As there was just one out in the inning, a wild pitch allowed Tremblay to score. Enchaltegui stepped up to the plate with a single that scored Adam and put the contest at 3-3.
It wasn’t too much longer until Pittsfield regained the lead when they were able to push one run across to have the 4-3 lead.
Backs against the wall in the bottom of the seventh, there was no panicking from Westfield. Tremblay connected on a one-out single. He then stole second which was followed by Adam reaching first base off a throwing error from Pittsfield. LaBombard knocked in the game-tying run with a single.
A back and forth game, Westfield yet again had to fight their way out of any potential damage by the Pittsfield bats. A walk and an error in the infield allowed Pittsfield to have runners on first and second with one out. Leo Arace then grounded out to first base to allow the runners to advance to second and third. The situation couldn’t have been a better spot for Nick Harrington to help his team once again take the lead. Harrington hit a hard ball to center field that looked like it was going to drop but LaBombard made a great diving catch to get Westfield out of the inning and avoid any damage.
Dekarski was able to make the tag on the Pittsfield runner. (Photo by Kellie Adam)
“That catch that Jake LaBombard made was spectacular,” said Bradley.
Besides a game-saving defensive play, Westfield also managed to get a solid outing from their starting pitcher. Enchaltegui threw seven innings only allowing two runs on five hits.
“We’re fortunate with the depth that we have in pitching,” said Bradley. “He (Enchaltegui) dug deep for us in the fourth inning and reassured us that he could do this.”
Pittsfield also saw a solid performance from their starting pitcher, Caden Frazier, as he went 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.
Westfield will now look to even this series up on Monday as they travel to Pittsfield for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch.
