Vienna All-Stars Win First Game of State Tourney

The Vienna All-Stars did not disappoint its home crowd in their first game of the 15-U Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia State Tournament.

Vienna, , treated their fans to a shutout victory, defeating Glen Allen 4-0.

The winner of the tournament will head to Sarasota, Fla., for the Southeast Regional tournament at the end of the month.

Nick Brady pitched a complete game for Vienna, striking out three and giving up five hits — all singles — in seven innings of play. Brady went 3 1/3 innings before allowing a hit.

"Nick is probably one of the most dependable pitchers you're going to get," said Russ Ekanger, the Vienna All-Stars manager. "He never lets things get to him. He's always throwing strikes. His curveball, when it's working, is unhittable. And with Bruce [Briglia] behind the plate, it's a tandem you can't deny."

The offense got Vienna on board in the second inning after Chris Kim hit a one-out single to left field to put a runner on base for Bruce Briglia's triple to the center field wall, driving in Kim for the first run of the game.

"We were hoping to jump out first," Ekanger said. "We usually try to jump out in the first inning, but we couldn't do that tonight. We'll see what we can do about that tomorrow."

Kim and Briglia teamed up again in the fourth inning to help give Vienna another run. Kim singled down the left field line, then stole second base to put himself in scoring position. Briglia hit a single, which moved Kim to third base. On a wild pitch, Kim crossed home plate to put Vienna up 2-0 heading into the fifth inning.

Vienna's last two runs came off a line drive double from Riley Cummins to score Andrew DiFrancisco and Kalib Ashcraft, who reached on a walk and a hit, respectively.

The Vienna All-Stars will play Winchester at 1 p.m. today at Waters Field. This game will put last year's state champions, Winchester, against last year's runner-ups.

"We've added four or five key players, so I think we'll be better. I think we can win," Ekanger said.

Regardless of the tough matchups headed Vienna's way, Ekanger is happy Vienna is hosting the tournament.

"I love this field and I love these people. If we just keep doing what we're doing, hopefully we'll be going to Sarasota," Ekanger said.

Game statistics:

Vienna

Hits: Kalib Ashcraft (three singles), Chris Kim (two singles), Bruce Briglia (triple, single), Nick Brady (single), Riley Cummins (double)
RBI: Briglia (1), Cummins (2)

Glen Allen

Hits: Alex Mawyer (single), Michael Lamons (single), Grayson Reid (single), Ryland Ansell (single), Jonathan Anderson (single)