Westfield’s Little Leaguers join forces to take down the 2021 Jimmy Fund tournament. (PHOTO BY WESTFIELD LITTLE LEAGUE)
AGAWAM – After four runner-up finishes in Little League’s district tournaments, Westfield’s ballplayers were still hungry for more baseball and for that elusive trophy. Hosted by Agawam Little League, the Jimmy Fund Tournament provided Westfield’s 11- and 12-year-olds with a chance at redemption while helping to raise money to fight childhood cancer. The team took advantage and won four straight games in convincing fashion to capture the Massachusetts District 2 Jimmy Fund Tournament championship.
Monday, July 26
Westfield 9, Enfield 2
Jake Barnes, Audrey Amaral and Ben Niemiec each pitched two quality innings to lead Westfield in the tournament’s opening game, combining to strike out nine Enfield batters while allowing just one hit. The offense was led by Josh Elmer, who hit a towering home run to left center and a double. Barnes (double, triple), Coen Marchacos (2 hits) and Luke Cummings (double) also contributed to the offense.
Friday, July 30
Westfield 15, Holyoke 1
Westfield pounded 16 hits in a convincing win over Holyoke under the lights in Agawam. Marchacos went 3-for-3 with three RBIs to pace the offense. Barnes, Elmer and Evan Miller each contributed with two hits apiece. Elmer, Marchacos and Nick Madsen took care of the pitching, striking out nine and allowing three hits.
2021 JIMMY FUND LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Saturday, July 31
Westfield 13, Southampton 2
A five-run first inning and a four-run second inning put this one out of reach early, as Westfield’s bats again exploded for 12 hits. Luke Cummings went 3-for-3 with five RBIs to lead the attack. Marchacos and Elmer each had two hits, as well. Amaral and Barnes worked efficiently allowing only three hits.
Monday, August 1
Championship Game
Westfield 13, Frontier 1
Amaral put a cap on her brilliant Little League career, going 2-for-2 with fives RBI and pitching three solid innings to lead Westfield to the Jimmy Fund Tournament championship. Again, Westfield rode a hot start, plating eight runs in the first inning. Porter Marchacos doubled and drove in a run as well. Barnes closed out the win on the mound for Westfield. – Courtesy of Westfield Little League
