WESTFIELD – Westfield Bank completed the two-game, two-day sweep, coming out of the losers bracket in the double elimination tournament to win the Dan Welch City Cup Championship 13-4 over Advance MFG on a hot Monday night at Bullens Field.
Advance starting pitcher Ethan Johnson threw three innings with three strikeouts and held Westfield Bank to only one run over the first two innings. The second time through the order, Bank’s bats came alive guided by Noah Luis and Jacob Wagner to help plate six more runs. Joe Maffia later came in to throw two-plus innings of relief and gave up just two more runs while striking out three himself.
Westfield Bank starting pitcher Deven Werbiskis tossed six innings, yielding four runs while striking out four and only walking one batter. Only one other batter saw a third ball and that player later struck out in that at-bat. The defense behind Werbiskis yielded only one error. The overall defensive standout was catcher Patrick Millin, who threw out a runner out at second when trying to steal. Later in the game, Millins made a tremendous leap and grab in centerfield to help clinch the win.
Joshua Wagner came into the game in the seventh to give up no hits and no runs.
Nolan Avery and Jacob Wagner each had two hits for Westfield Bank. Advance players Andre Phaneuf and Ethan Johnson also had two hits apiece.
The City Cup Championship culminated another hugely successful season for Westfield Babe Ruth. This year’s team sponsors included: Berkshire Insurance Group, Cortina Tile, Advance MFG, ITI, Batter’s Box, Westfield Bank. ITI was the regular season champion.
There is still much baseball to be played.
The All-Star tournaments will return in early July with three local teams set for action. Westfield Babe Ruth will host the 13-Year-Old New England Regional Tournament at Bullens Field July 23-28. – Courtesy of Westfield Babe Ruth Baseball.
