Waterford South 11/12 Allstars' Quest For A Sectional Title Comes To An End

By Michael Landon

Before getting into the highlights of the game, kudos go out to the Waterford South 11/12 Year Old Allstar Coaches (Mike Ricchotti, Chris Yeomans and Chris Landon) and to the Manager (Bill Speller) for an incredible run and placing third in the Sectionals.

As a past Little League and Babe Ruth Coach and Manager, I am quite aware of the timeless hours and lifestyle changes it takes to get you and your team to where you did.  Even though it’s all about the kids/players and you do all what you do for the kids/players coaches and managers are often overlooked and don’t receive enough recognition/acknowledgement and KUDOS for all they truly do during the games as well as off the field of play.  

Congratulations on what you have and were able to accomplish and continued success in your future endeavors.

Now with that being said, WAY TO GO WATERFORD SOUTH 11/12 ALLSTARS! What an outstanding job and run you had, even though I am sure by the look on your faces at the end of the game you would have preferred a different outcome.  There’s always next year and don’t be down on yourselves  for not being able to go further this year you gave it a gallant effort  and have nothing to be disappointed  about.

Waterford South’s quest came to an end and they were eliminated from the Section II Sectionals losing to Coginchaug by a Score of 7-6.

Starting Pitcher (Noah Speller) pitched an unbelievable first three innings for Waterford South. In three full innings he was able to hold his pitch count to 40, only faced 13 out of a minimum 9 batters, and only allowed 4 hits unfortunately 2 of those were Home Runs but that’s part of the game of Baseball. By the end of the third inning the score was 4-2 by way of a two-run homer by Drew Ricchotti.

In the top of the fourth, Noah again pitched extremely well and confident only facing 4 more batters but due to a single to deep center and the runner being waved on by his coach to stretch it into a double, Waterford Center Fielder, Dylan Bosco, threw a perfect throw to second and with ball in glove and the running not even in his slide yet was somehow called safe at second.  The base runner would eventually score.

Score now 5-2, Waterford South trailing.

In the bottom of the fourth, the leadoff batter Shane Beckloff (Subing for Noah) would work the count to receive a Walk. The next two batters would hit it directly back to the short stop and the pitcher respectfully causing the first two outs. Batter, Bobby Silva (Subbing for Jay Jay Brennan) would also the work the count and received a walk. With runners on First and Second, two outs and batter Dylan Bosco coming to the plate, the pressure was on.  Pressure what pressure he did what he knows he can do and hit a three run blast tying the score at 5-5.

In the fifth inning, Coginchaug was able to put two more runs on the board and Waterford South answered with one of their own when leadoff batter Nick Porazzi, hit a triple and would eventually score off a single to right by Noah Speller.

The last and final inning had pitching changes for both sides, Waterford Reliever, Shane Beckloff, made quick work of the side by striking out the first two batters and with the assistance of Nick Porazzi, who made a flying leaping catch at third base was able to record the third out.

With Waterford down one run going into the bottom of the sixth, they needed help in order to stay alive and not face elimination.  With a pitching change by Coginchaug to start the inning the first batter hit the very first pitch and grounded out to second. One out. The next batter, Drew Ricchotti, keeping the inning alive and hopeful hit a single to center.  he next batter grounded out to second. Two outs. The last and final out was a strike out but the catcher dropped the ball and keeping his composure was able to throw the runner out at First ending the game with a final score Coginchaug 7 – Waterford South 6.

A well fought game by both sides. Way to fight to the very end Waterford South and Good Luck Cohinchaug in the Finals of the Section II Sectionals.