West Hartford Little League Championship Day Recap

Majors: Lucas Busch hurls a 1 hit complete game shutout on Championship Day for the CT Foot & Ankle Braves

On Father’s Day it was a beautiful day for baseball and Lucas Busch and his golden arm came to pitch. Busch dominated the Angels who during the season were arguably the best hitting team in WHLL. Busch kept them off balance the whole game as one player remarked to Lucas’ dad during the game, “I can’t hit that.” The Braves’ starting pitcher went the distance with 13K’s, 1 hit and 1 walk and not allowing a hit to the top 5 batters. Catchers Matty Berson and Alex Haggerty were clutch behind the plate expertly helping Busch locate his pitches and handling the nasty curve. On the offensive side the Braves blasted out of the gate putting up 5 runs in the first inning on 2 hits from Dominic Fuentes (2-3 RBI) and Hunter Polce (3-3) who blasted 3 hits off Angels pitching. The Braves kept up pressure in that inning with aggressive base running from Lucas Busch, James Eden and Hunter Polce. The Braves would add 5 more runs in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings on hits from Busch (2 RBI), Polce, Fuentes and Eden. Blake Deresiesnki was clutch in executing 2 bunt base hits that resulted in runs. Grayson Carter and Gabi Silver both worked deep counts and scored 3 runs on their efforts. The Braves defense was stellar when it needed to be. Kyle Nichols set the tone in the game on the first play catching a fly ball off of the 1 of only 2 hanging curveballs that Lucas threw in the game. Matt Patchen also made an important play at 2nd base to preserve the shutout. In the 4th, Jonathon Peikes made the play of the game at 2nd base when he dove completely horizontal to his left to snag a ball headed for right field. The play was so impressive; Coach Busch called time-out to go congratulate the effort.

For the Angels, Jake Larosa, Andrew Arnheiter and Jeff LaRosa pitched and Nick Levere recorded the only hit.

The CT Foot & Ankle Braves coaches Daniel Busch, Larry Berson and Ron Peikes would like to thank everyone at WHLL for a great season!

AAA: Mandell JCC Dodgers 14 – Brothers Associates Landscapers Phillies 9

The Dodgers came out on top against a hard-hitting Phillies team today in the AAA finals. The Dodgers’ bats were out early in the first inning with John Scrimgeour leading off the game with a single (2 hits for the day). Walker Benet and Brendan Battiston kept the rally going with a single and a double, and the Dodgers never looked back. Brendan had two hits for the day and Orlando Castillo continued his streak also with 2 hits on the day and a great fly ball catch in right field in the 3rd inning. Walker, Vincent Nemergut and Kyle Bridgman all added a base hit in the game. Behind the plate, Andrew (Firetruck) Siemienski caught 4 outstanding innings. On the mound for the Dodgers, John Scrimgeour was on fire again striking out 6 Phillies batters in 3 1/3 innings and giving up only 3 hits. Walker Benet came in relief and threw well into the 6th inning and was relieved by Vincent (the Closer) Nemergut who wrapped up the game. Nice job by both these guys. Cyrus Gibson, Michael Driscoll and David Giles each brought in one run for the Dodgers. For the Phillies, Dan Hussey pounded out 2 singles, and Jack Touisignant, Cario McCrory, Joe Hussey, Nick Santos, Tom Dowd, A.J. Guevara and Anthony Violante each had hits.  Jack also scored two runs for the Phillies.

Minors Div. Championship Game: Best Smiles Angels 7, Rita's Royals 4

Father's Day and Baseball: always a good combination. The Minor's Div. Royals and Angels entertained the fans from opening pitch to last. For the Royals, Jackson Grady led the offense doubling in the first and later scored two runs. Patrick Sullivan had two hits (one a double) and Will Murkette and Mason Dupont both added base hits. On defense, Royals' pitcher Thomas Sullivan impressed with two innings of no-hit,no-walk ball. Coach Sullivan praised the Royals' squad including Anthony Carabello, Max O'Grady, Abrianna Teodore, Andrew Mazzatto, Quinn Spada, Chanjo Kim, Sean McNamara & Nick Ianaerro for contributing to the Royals' magical playoff run and strong play in the finals.

The Angels knew from the outset that they had their work cut out for them facing a tough Royals squad. On defense, the Angels were led by pitchers Luis Vargas and Jack Kinney. The mound discipline of both pitchers was crucial to the Angels' victory. Jack Cote brought the leather and contributed a pair of fine infield catches. Ironman David Cass overcame a pre-game illness to catch the middle 4 innings and Leo Dionicio relieved his tiring teamate for the final inning; locking down the game. On offense, the Angels were led by Luis Vargas, David Cass, Giovanna Dionicio, Jack Kinney and Jack Cote who all had important basehits. Thomas Cass manfully handled a plunking by the Royals's fire-balling starter and later scored a key run. The Angels coaches noted that Abhishek Sinha worked an early walk and that Dilon Bent, Martin Esperanza, JP Evans, JP Berrettini and Nick Ramos all made valuable contributions during the Angels stretch run to the finals.

The Angels were thrilled that Giovanna Dionicio was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Arete award given annually to the player that best epitomizes the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. The Angels and Royals Minors Division Championship Game was among the best played games of the season with both squads earning the appreciation of their coaches and the fans. Congratulations Angels and Royals.