Wizards Baseball

12 Year Old All Stars: The West Warwick 12 year old All Stars played very well in the 2015 Rhode Island Cal Ripken State Tournament, finishing a respectable 2-2, narrowly losing in the Loser's Bracket Final to Apponaug in 8 innings.

 

11 Year Old All Stars: The West Warwick 11 year old All Stars had a very competitive and memorable summer by hosting and participating in the New England Regional. In State Tournament play, West Warwick lost 3-2 in the final against Washington Park of Providence. In New England Regional play, they defeated Newtown (Connecticut State Champions), 8-2. West Warwick, then, went on to lose close games to Franklin (Massachusetts), 12-10 and to Washington Park in extra innings, 7-3.

 

10 Year Old All Stars: The 10's went 1-2 during the State Tournament.

 

9 Year Old All Stars: The 9's, who became the first "Nine Year Old" team to win the State Tournament since 2008, participated in the New England Regional in Hebron, Connecticut.

 

Major Division: In playoff action, the WW PIC Athletics came out of the loser's bracket to win their third consecutive WWCRL championship, 7-4, against a tough Yankees team.

 

Minor Division: The Mets won the second annual "Billy" Flynn Tournament over the Diamondbacks in extra innings.

As the summer moves toward the fall, the West Warwick Cal Ripken League, once again, had a solid year of baseball in league and all star play. In league play, the West Warwick PIC Athletics came out of the Loser’s Bracket to win their third consecutive Major Division Championship.

The Athletics, who posted a 17-0-1 record in winning the 2014 League Championship, finished with a final record of 17-3 while capping off an unprecedented “3-Peat” with a 7-4 win in the final game of the playoffs over the Hampton Inn & Suites Yankees. During league play this year, the Athletics, who won 54 overall games in three years, had their consecutive winning streak snapped at 39 games in a loss to the Eastern Division champions, the MED-FX Red Sox (12-2 in league play; 13-4 overall).

After losing All Stars, Robert Bird (2013), Efrain Calzada (2013), Kyle Kortick (2014), John Pina (2014) and Xavier Truss (2014) over the past two years, the Athletics had the unenviable task of defending their two-year reign as West Warwick Cal Ripken Major Division champions.

Led by the inspired play and leadership of their four 12 year olds (Ethan Case, Sam Corrado, Kyle DaSilva and Mason Provoyeur) the green and gold were able to win five consecutive games in a five-day period, finishing off their Athletic careers as three-time champions. The Athletics, who once again relied on solid pitching and defense, had one of the deepest batting orders in the league this past season.

As a pitching staff, the A’s may have had their highest team ERA (2.46) since 2012, but they posted a team WHIP of 1.50 by allowing just 58 hits and issuing 83 walks in 100 innings of work. In addition to that, they struck out 170 batters. Six of their pitchers made at least five appearances during the year. Three 11 year old pitchers combined to pitch over 34 innings. First, Liam Gravier (3-0) led the team with an ERA of 0.38. In 8 games pitched, he struck out 19 batters and allowed just one earned run in 15 2/3 innings. Second, Quinn Kortick, who was one of the league’s top catchers, also made 8 relief appearances. In 10 2/3 innings pitched, the righty struck out 15 batters and allowed just two earned runs for an ERA of 1.12. In addition, Michael Grenier who was playing in his first year of Major Division competition struck out 12 batters in 8 innings of work. As for the triad of 12 year old pitchers, they accounted for 12 of their 17 wins this year. Ethan Case (3-0) finished with an ERA of 0.46. In 7 games pitched, he struck out 16 batters and allowed just one earned run in 13 innings. Mason Provoyeur (3-1), who won two games in the playoffs, finished the season with 55 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings pitched. Lastly, Sam Corrado (6-1) was the A’s workhorse during the season with 50 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings.

Offensively, the A’s, who led the league with a team batting average of .361 (169/468 with 32 doubles, 8 triples, 8 home runs, 135 walks, 203 runs scored and a league-leading OBP of .561), had seven batters with a batting average of over .300. Leading the way were Mason Provoyeur (26/46 for a .565 batting average, 10 doubles, 5 home runs, 25 runs scored and 29 rbi’s), Sam Corrado (29/52 for a batting average of .558, 7 doubles, 1 triple 2 home runs, 30 runs scored and 26 rbi’s), Kyle DaSilva (23/47 for a batting average of .489, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 25 runs scored and 22 rbi’s), Liam Gravier (22/53 for a batting average of .415, 5 doubles, 1 triple, team-leading 20 walks, 30 runs scored and 16 rbi’s), Ethan Case (19/48 for a batting average of .396, 1 double, 1 inside the park home run, 16 runs scored and 14 rbi’s), Quinn Kortick (16/50 for a batting average of .320, 2 doubles, 3 triples, 16 walks, team-leading 10 stolen bases, 28 runs scored and 14 rbi’s), Ethan Chasse (13/42 for a batting average of .310, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 11 runs scored and 15 rbi’s), Mark Cesana (6 singles, 8 runs scored and 7 rbi’s), Michael Grenier (10 singles, 13 walks, 15 runs scored and 10 rbi’s), Brendan Griffiin (9 walks, 10 runs scored and 7 rbi’s) and Jesse Principe (7 walks, 5 runs scored and 4 rbi’s).

A recap of the 2015 Cal Ripken playoff follows:

Opening Round: Hampton Inn & Suites Yankees 4 Bill’s Pizza Rays 3

After falling behind 3-0, the Yankees came from behind to beat the upset-minded Rays, 4-3.

The Rays took a 3-0 lead when Devyn Glenn hit a two-run triple down the right field line with two out to score Billy Costello and Will Cornicelli.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Yankees cut the lead to one when AJ Hernandez (walk) and Guy Clarke (walk) scored on back to back rbi singles by Calvin Battersby and Justin Perez.

The Yankees tied the game in the fifth inning after Perez singled, moved to third on a throwing error and came home on a passed ball.

In the bottom of the sixth, Battersby hit a walk-off double to score Hernandez with the game winning run.

Picking up the victory was nine year old Logan Dean. In four innings of relief pitching, he struck out six and allowed two earned runs.

Offensively, the Yankees received hits from Perez (2/3 one run and 1 rbi), Ryan Shurtleff (1/2), Alex Titelis (1/3, 1 rbi) and Calvin Battersby (2/3, one double and 1 rbi).

The Rays received hits from Billy Costello (1/3, two runs) and Glenn (one triple and 3 rbi’s).

Will Cornicelli pitched well for the Rays. In the first three innings, he struck out seven batters and allowed just one earned run.

Winner’s Bracket Semi-Finals: MedFx Red Sox 5 PMC Lighting Orioles 1

After winning their opening round game against the Gordon Orthodontics Marlins, the PMC Lighting Orioles looked to pull the upset over the Eastern Division Champion Red Sox.

For the first four innings of the game, it looked as if the Orioles could pull it off as Kyle Rossignol and Corey Goldstein held them to one run on two hits.

The Red Sox, however, scored four runs on five hits the bottom of the fifth inning to break open the game. Providing the hits in the inning were Avery Bliss (lead-off double), Calien Howell (single), Nick Pedus (rbi single), Andrew Sears (rbi single), Chase Joubert (two-run single) and Cameron Hughes (triple).

The triad of Andrew Sears, Justin Firth and Chase Joubert combined to strike out nine batters in five innings for the Red Sox.

Offensively, the Red Sox received multiple hit games from Chase Joubert (2/3, 2 rbi’s), Cameron Hughes (2/3, one triple).

The Orioles received hits from Sean White, Tyler Grandchamp and Jason Anzivino.

Winner’s Bracket Semi-Finals: Hampton Inn & Suites Yankees 6 WW PIC Athletics 5

Led by the clutch hitting and solid relief pitching of Justin Perez, the Yankees pulled off their first upset of the playoffs with a 6-5 win over the favored Athletics, the reigning two-time champions.

Perez not only hit a bases-clearing triple with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, but limited the potent attack of the A’s to one run on two hits. In three innings of relief, he struck out six batters.

In the top of the first inning, the Yankees jumped out to a 3-0 lead with three hits (Calvin Battersby, Justin Perez and Logan Dean) and three walks (Guy Clarke, Rachel Gosselin and Alex Coutcher).

Down 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning, the A’s took a 4-3 lead on hits by Quinn Kortick and timely two-out, two-run single by Ethan Case.

In the top fourth inning, however, the Yankees rallied with two outs when they loaded the bases with two walks and error which set the stage for Justin Perez’s triple to the right-center gap.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the A’s staged a two-out rally when Sam Corrado doubled and Mason Provoyeur walked. Corrado, then, scored on Kyle DaSilva’s single to centerfield. Cavlin Battersby, though, made a perfect throw to catcher Alex Coutcher at the plate to get the last out to end the game.

Offensively, the A’s were led by Kyle DaSilva (2/3, one run and 2 rbi’s) and the Yankees were led by Perez (2/3, one triple and 3 rbi’s).

Winner’s Bracket Finals: Hampton Inn & Suites Yankees 9 MedFX Red Sox 5

After jumping out to a 7-3 lead in the first inning, the upstart Yankees continued their postseason magic with a surprising 9-5 victory over the Red Sox.

In the top of the first inning, the Yankees served noticed that they were a force to reckoned with when they scored seven runs on five walks and key hits by Calvin Battersby (lead-off single), Logan Dean (bases-clearing triple), Alex Coutcher (two-run double), Ryan Shurtleff (rbi single) and Justin Perez (rbi single).

In the bottom of the first inning, the Red Sox cut the lead on Cameron Hughes’ 225 foot three-run home run to left field.

Despite getting a nine strikeout performance in relief by Andrew Sears, the Red Sox could not overcome their first inning deficit. Yankee relievers, Guy Clark and Logan Dean, held the Red Sox to only two runs in the last five innings.

In fact, Dean struck out six batters in the last three innings of play. Offensively, the Yankees received multiple hits from Battersby (2/4, one run), Perez (2/3, one run, 1 rbi) and Alex Coutcher (2/3, one run and 2 rbi’s).

The Red Sox received two hits each from Sears and Hughes.

Loser’s Bracket Quarter-Finals: WW PIC Athletics 20 Gordon Orthodontics Marlins 1

After losing their first playoff game in three years, the Athletics, the two-time defending champion, defeated the Marlins, 20-1 in 3 ½ innings.

Offensively, the A’s received contributions from Liam Gravier (2/4, one double, two runs and 2 rbi’s), Quinn Kortick (3/3, one double, three runs and 2 rbi’s), Sam Corrado (1/2, one double, three runs, and 2 rbi’s), Mason Provoyeur (3/3, two doubles, three runs and 5 rbi’s), Kyle DaSilva (three runs scored), Ethan Chasse (one hit, two runs and 2 rbi’s), Mark Cesana (one run and 1 rbi), Ethan Case (2/2, one double, two runs and 1 rbi), Michael Grenier (1/3, one run and 2 rbi’s), Brendan Griffin (two rbi’s) and Jessie Principe (one run scored).

The trio of Liam Gravier, Ethan Case and Michael Grenier held the Marlins to one run on four hits while striking out four batters.

The Marlins received hits from Derek Petrarca, Ty Condon (2/3, one run) and Adam Marsh.

Loser’s Bracket Quarter-Finals: PMC Lighting Orioles 10 Bill’s Place Rays 3

Led by a nine-hit attack and the solid pitching of Corey Goldstein and Kyle Rossignol, the Orioles won their second game of the post season with a 10-3 win over the Rays.

Offensively, the Orioles were led by Cory Goldstein (two hits), Kyle Rossignol (two runs and 2 rbi’s) and Alex Johnson (2 rbi’s). The Rays were led by Antonio Petrarca’s two hits.

Loser’s Bracket Semi-Finals: WW PIC Athletics 12 PMC Lighting Orioles 1

Led by the solid pitching of 12 year old Ethan Case and a 12-hit attack in 3 ½ innings, the Athletics continued surging toward their third consecutive Major Division final.

Case, who threw 38 of 60 pitches for strikes, struck out three batters and allowed just one hit in four innings of work.

Offensively, The A’s received hits from Brendan Griffin, Ethan Case (3/3, one run), Kyle DaSilva (3/3, one double, two runs and 2 rbi’s), Mason Provoyeur (3/3, one home run, two doubles, three runs and 4 rbi’s), Sam Corrado (1/1, one triple, three runs and 2 rbi’s) and Liam Gravier (1/3).

The Orioles only hit of the game was a lead-off double by Kyle Rossignol in the top of the third inning.

Loser’s Bracket Finals: WW PIC Athletics 4 MedFx Red Sox 3

In a game which featured the two favorites to reach the final, the Athletics received an inspired effort from 12 year old Mason Provoyeur to eliminate the Red Sox from the playoffs, 4-3.

The burly left hander, who pitched all six innings, struck out 15 batters and allowed just two earned runs on two hits.

After Andrew Sears struck out the side to open the game, the Red Sox took an early 2-0 lead when Sears (walk) and Chase Joubert (single) scored on a single by Cameron Hughes and a bases loaded walk to Avery Bliss.

The Red Sox made it 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning when Sears walked, advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on an errant throw.

In the top of the third inning, however, the A’s took the lead with four runs on two walks (Quinn Kortick and Michael Grenier) and hits by Liam Gravier (two-run double), Sam Corrado (single), Mason Provoyeur (rbi on a fielder’s choice) and Kyle DaSilva (rbi single).

After being staked to a 4-3 lead, Provoyeur struck out ten batters and kept the Red Sox hitless over the last four innings to secure a spot in the championship for the third year in a row.

The Red Sox, who finished first in the Eastern Division, had a received good pitching and hitting all year long. On the mound, they were led by 12 year old Andrew Sears. In 28 innings pitched, Sears (6-0) allowed just 8 earned runs (ERA of 1.71) while striking out 61 batters and posting a WHIP of 1.18. In addition, Chase Joubert (3-3) struck out 45 batters in 25 innings. Meanwhile, Justin Firth (3-4) posted an ERA of 0.93 by striking out 38 batters and allowing just 4 earned runs in 25 innings.

Offensively, the Red Sox finished the year with a team batting average of .296 (116/392 with 24 doubles, 7 triples, 3 home runs, 99 walks and 124 runs scored). They were led by Chase Joubert (22/41 for a batting average of .537, 3 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run, 23 runs and 20 rbi’s), Andrew Sears (17/37 for a batting average of .459, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 18 runs and 11 rbi’s), Cam Hughes (16/40 for a batting average of .400, 6 doubles, 6 triples, 2 home runs and 17 rbi’s), Justin Firth (14 hits, 11 runs and 12 rbi’s), Evan Firth (10 hits and 4 rbi’s), Austin Capobianco (10 hits and 20 runs), Nick Pedus (7 hits, 15 walks and 12 runs), Calian Howell (13 walks and 10 runs), Nick Petrangelo (6 hits, 11 walks and 6 runs), Avery Bliss (4 hits, 7 walks and 7 runs) and Cole Faneuf (3 hits, 8 walks and 2 runs).

WW Cal Ripken Championship Game One: WW PIC Athletics 15 Hampton Inn & Suites Yankees 3

Led by a nine hit attack and the solid pitching of 12 year old Sam Corrado, the Athletics forced the “if” game with a 15-3 victory in four innings.

In the top of the first inning, the Athletics were determined to force a deciding game to defend their title by sending 14 players to the plate and taking a 9-0 lead on five hits and seven walks. After Liam Gravier walked to lead off the game, he advanced to second on a Sam Corrado single and then, to third base on a walk issued to Mason Provoyeur. That set the stage for 12 year old Kyle DaSilva who belted a three-run triple to right-center field. Ethan Chasse followed with an rbi triple to the same place to score DaSilva.After back to back walks to Ethan Case and Quinn Kortick, Michael Grenier walked to force in the fifth run of the inning. After one out, Gravier hit a two run-double to centerfield and Mason Provoyeur hit a two-run single to give the A’s a commanding lead.

The Yankees rallied in the bottom of the first inning with two runs on hits by Calvin Battersby (single), Guy Clarke (rbi single) and Logan Dean (rbi double) before starting pitcher Sam Corrado settled in by striking out six batters and allowing no hits after the first inning.

The A’s got two runs back in the top of the second inning when Michael Grenier (single) and Jessie Principe (walk) scored on a Corrado rbi single to left and an errant throw. In the top of the fourth inning, the A’s built a 15-3 lead by scoring four runs on four walks, two errors and hits by Liam Gravier and Kyle DaSilva (two-run single).

Offensively, the rampaging green and gold were led by Gravier (2/3, one double, 3 runs and 2 rbi’s), Principe (two walks and 1 rbi), Corrado (2/2, two walks, one run and 1 rbi), Kortick (two walks and one run), Provoyeur (1/2, two walks, two runs and 2 rbi’s), Case (two walks and two runs), Chasse (rbi triple) and DaSilva (2/3, one triple, two runs and 5 rbi’s).

WW Cal Ripken Championship Game Two: WW PIC Athletics 7 Hampton Inn & Suites Yankees 4

After losing their first game of the playoffs, a determined group of Athletics won their fifth game in a row to capture their third consecutive WW Cal Ripken Major Division Championship (2013, 2014 & 2015) with a tough 7-4 win over the Yankees.

Lefty Mason Provoyeur provided the Athletics with one of the most memorable pitching performances in their three year run as champions.

In a complete game effort, Provoyeur dominated the Yankees line up with 17 strikeouts and allowed just two hits by Rachel Gosselin (2/3, one triple and 3 rbi’s).

After Provoyeur struck out the side to begin the game, the A’s wasted little time as they scored three runs on hits by Liam Gravier (lead-off double), Sam Corrado (rbi double), Kyle DaSilva (single) and Ethan Case (two-run single). In the bottom of the second inning, they increased their lead to 6-0 when Michael Grenier (single), Jesse Principe (fielder’s choice) and Sam Corrado (fielder’s choice) scored on a walk to Mason Provoyeur and a two-run single by Kyle DaSilva.

The Yankees scored a run in the top of the fourth inning when Justin Perez (walk) scored with two outs on their first hit of the game, an rbi triple to the left field fence by 12 year old Rachel Gosselin.

The A’s got the run back in the bottom half of the inning when Sam Corrado (triple) scored on a Mason Provoyeur opposite field single to right field.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Yankees fought back with three runs on two walks, an error and one hit. Guy Clark led off the inning with a walk, moved to second when Justin Perez reached on the only error of the game, advance to third when Alex Titelis walked to load the bases. Logan Dean then forced in Clark after walking and Gosselin continued her hot hitting with a two-run single to centerfield.

Provoyeur (32 strikeouts in two playoff games), however, regained his composure and struck out the next three batters to complete a remarkable “3-Peat” for the Athletics.

The Yankees (8-6 in league play; 11-8 overall), who are the clear favorites to win in 2016, had strong performances during the year. As a pitching staff, they received solid years from Guy Clark, Alex Coutcher, Justin Perez, Calvin Battersby, Alex Titelis and Logan Dean. The 12 year old duo of Clark and Coutcher combined to strike out 60 batters in 39 1/3 innings. 11 year old Justin Perez (3-2) finished the year with 31 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings pitched with a WHIP of 1.62. In addition to that, fellow 11 year olds Alex Titelis and Calvin Battersby combined to strike out 24 batters in 15 innings of work. Lastly, 9 year old Logan Dean had an impressive first year at the Major Division level with a team-leading WHIP of 1.52. In 25 innings of work, he struck out 44 batters and allowed just 12 runs on 16 hits for an ERA of 2.88.

Offensively, the Yankees were led by Perez (25/49 for a batting average of .510, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 12 runs and 11 rbi’s), Alex Titelis (19/40 for a batting average of .475, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 13 runs and a team-leading 23 rbi’s), Calvin Battersby (17/55 for a batting average of .309, 5 doubles, 14 runs and 7 rbi’s), Guy Clark (11 hits, 14 walks, 20 runs and 9 rbi’s), Ryan Shurtleff (seven hits, 8 runs and 5 rbi’s), Rachel Gosselin (6 hits, 6 runs and 3 rbi’s), Alex Coutcher (3 singles, 5 doubles, 10 runs and 9 rbi’s), Logan Dean (8 hits, 10 walks, 12 runs and 11 rbi’s) and Dante Faria (14 walks and 4 runs).  

Qualifying Round (Single Elimination/July 31st or August 1st)

Flood Ford 8  East Greenwich 5

365 Sports 6  East Providence 0

Slocum 7  Westerly 0 (Forfeit)

Blackstone 10  DH Hitting 1

Preliminary Round (Best of Three - SWEET 16)

365 Sports vs. West Warwick (West Warwick wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  WW, 6-2 Game Two:  WW, 7-0

Blackstone vs. Coventry (Coventry wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Coventry, 10-4 Game Two:  Coventry, 4-1 

Flood Ford vs. North Providence (Flood Ford wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Flood, 12-5 Game Two:  Flood, 8-5 

Slocum vs. Elmwood Sports (Slocum wins series, 2-1)

Game One:  Slocum, 7-3 Game Two:  Elmwood, 7-5 Game Three:  Slocum, 6-3

Narragansett vs. AMS Johnston (AMS Johnston wins series, 2-0)

Game One: Johnston, 3-1 Game Two:  Johnston, 8-6 (8 IP)

Cranston vs. Warwick PAL (Warwick PAL wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Warwick, 8-1 Game Two:  Warwick, 3-1

Providence vs. Tiverton (Tiverton wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Tiverton, 4-3 Game Two:  Tiverton, 14-7

Scituate at Smithfield (Scituate wins series, 2-1)

Game One:  Smithfield, 4-1 Game Two:  Scituate, 8-0 Game Three:  Scituate, 2-0

 Quarter-Final (Best of Three - ELITE 8)

AMS Johnston vs. West Warwick (AMS Johnston wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Johnston, 5-2 Game Two:  Johnston, 4-3  

Scituate vs. Coventry (Coventry wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Coventry, 6-1  Game Two:  Coventry, 13-3

Slocum vs. Tiverton  (Tiverton wins series, 2-1)

Game One:  Slocum, 7-6 Game Two:  Tiverton, 4-3 Game Three:  Tiverton, 6-3

Flood Ford Auto vs. Warwick PAL (Warwick PAL wins series, 2-1)

Game One:  Warwick, 1-0 Game Two:  Flood, 6-0 Game Three:  Warwick, 2-1   

Semi-Final (Best of Three - FINAL 4) 

AMS Johnston vs. Warwick PAL (AMS Johnston wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Johnston, 5-3 Game Two:  Johnston, 2-0  

Coventry vs. Tiverton (Coventry wins series, 2-1)

Game One:  Tiverton, 7-6 Game Two:  Coventry, 4-1  Game Three:  Coventry, 4-3

Final (Best of Three - 2015 State Championship) 

Coventry vs. AMS Johnston (AMS Johnston wins series, 2-0)

Game One:  Johnston, 3-0 Game Two:  Johnston, 10-0

 

West Warwick 12 DH Hitting (Lincoln) 2

Led by the solid pitching of Ryan Carlson and Hunter, the West Warwick Connie Mack team which is sponsored by Graham Insurance of Nationwide and Derobbio's Barber Shop of West Warwick, won their league opener, 12-2, against DH Hitting of Lincoln.

Carlson picked up the victory by allowing only two earned runs on three hits while fanning eight and walking four in four innings of work. Dean, a junior to be at WWHS, struck out five in three innings of scoreless relief.

Offensively, West Warwick backed their solid pitching by scoring in six of seven innings. West Warwick received hits from Matt Grenier (1/3, one run scored), Kyle Kortick (1/1, one run scored), Brogan Guilmette (2/4, one double and three runs scored), Ray Zincone (1/3, one triple, two runs and 1 rbi), Tyler Boisclair (2/4, two rbi's), Ryan Carlson (1/2, 1 rbi),Hunter Dean (1/2, 1 run scored and 1 rbi), Alex Pedus (1/2, one double, 1 run scored, and 1 rbi), Mike Pellerin (1/3, 1 double), Andrew D'Ambrosca (1/2, one run scored), and Nick Pecchia (2/3, one run scored and 1 rbi).

West Warwick's Connie Mack team, which rosters twenty players, is comprised of student-athletes from ages 13-18. Over the past seven years, the WWCM program has maintained a philosophy where older players become the mentors of younger players during the summer.

West Warwick 10 Tiverton 1

Led by the one-hit pitching of Matt Hopper, West Warwick won their second game of the year, 10-1.

Hopper, who worked the first six innings, struck out six and allowed just one hit. Hunter Dean struck out one in the three innings of relief in this 9 inning game.

With the score 0-0 after two innings, West Warwick scored in five of the last seven innings of the nine inning game.

Offensively, West Warwick received hits from Matt Grenier (2/3, one triple and two runs scored), Brogan Guilmette (2/4, one run scored and 1 rbi), Evan Barrera (2/4, one run scored and 1 rbi), Alex Pedus (1/2, one double, one run scored and 1 rbi), Kyle Kortick (1/1, 2 rbi's), Matt Hopper (1/3, two runs scored), Andrew D'Ambrosca (1/3, one double and 1 rbi), Tim Fournier (1/4, one run scored and Nick Pecchia (1/4, 1 rbi).

Narragansett 7 West Warwick 6

Down 6-4 in the top of the seventh inning, Narragansett scored three runs on one walk, one single, one two-run triple (Will Benford) and a sacrifice fly to come from behind for their first win of the year, 7-6, over West Warwick.

For West Warwick, who received solid pitching from starter Matt Grenier and superb outfield play from Ben Roy, it was their first loss of the year.

Grenier, who struck out seven batters in four innings, led the Wizards with three hits (two singles, one double and two rbi’s). In addition, West Warwick also received offensive support from Brogan Guilmette (one run scored), Ben Roy (2/4, two runs scored), Hunter Dean (one run scored), Matt Hopper (2/3, one rbi), Mike Pellerin (one rbi), Kyle Kortick (one rbi), Tom Pecchia (2/3, one run scored and one rbi) and Colby Knott (one single and one run scored).

West Warwick 6 Flood Ford Auto 5

After letting a game slip away in the seventh inning the night before at home against Narragansett, West Warwick held on to a 6-5 victory over Flood Ford Auto at Bishop Hendricken.

Led by the solid pitching of incoming freshman, Alex Pedus, West Warwick picked up their first victory over Flood Ford in seven years.

The former left-handed Cal Ripken All Star struck out two and walked two in his first start for the West Warwick Connie Mack team. In 5 2/3 innings, he kept Flood Ford off balance, scattering seven hits. After giving up two runs on two hits with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Matt Hopper induced a fly out to left field to seal the victory.

West Warwick opportunistically built a 6-0 lead over the first five innings, scoring six runs on five hits, two errors and seven walks.

Offensively, West Warwick received solid efforts from Matt Grenier (1/1, four walks, one run scored and 2 rbis), Matt Hopper (2/4, one run scored and 1 rbi), Tom Pecchia (1/3, one run scored), Nick Pecchia (one run scored and 1 rbi), Andrew D'Ambrosca (one run scored), and Colby Knott (1/2, one run scored and 1 rbi).

Currently, two of next year’s seniors at West Warwick High School are off to a very productive summer. Matt Grenier, who is batting .636 (7/11 with one double, one triple, six walks and five runs scored), has on OBP of .778.  Fellow senior, Matt Hopper, who is batting .455 (5/11 with three runs scored and four walks) has an OBP of .600.

West Warwick 8  Westerly 1 

Led by the solid one hit pitching of Tyler Boisclair and errorless defense, once again, West Warwick captured their fourth win of the year over Westerly, 8-1.

Boisclair struck out six and walked three in four innings of work.  Out of 58 pitches, he threw 41 strikes.

In solid relief, Matt Hopper allowed just one earned run while striking out two in three innings.

After opportunistically scoring two runs on three walks, two stolen bases and two wild pitches, West Warwick go their bats working in the bottom of the third inning with three runs on hits by Matt Hopper, Evan Barrera (rbi single) and Tom Pecchia (rbi single).  Andrew D'Ambrosca closed out the scoring with a sacrifice fly to score Barrera.

 In the bottom of the sixth inning, West Warwick padded its' lead with three more runs (Tim Fourier, Nick Pecchia and Matt Grenier) on hits by Hunter Dean and Colby Knott (rbi single).  

 Offensively, WWCM received support from Matt Grenier (1/2, one run scored and two walks), Tyler Boisclair (two walks), Colby Knott (1/2, one run scored and 1 rbi), Matt Hopper (2/3, one run scored and 1 rbi), Evan Barrera (1/4, one run scored and 1 rbi), Tom Pecchia (1/1, one run scored and 1 rbi), Andrew D'Ambrosca (one run scored and 1 rbi), Hunter Dean (1/1), Tim Fournier (one run scored), and Nick Pechia (one run scored).  

 West Warwick 6  East Greenwich 5

 Led by the timely hitting of Matt Grenier (2/3, one triple, two runs scored and two rbi's), Matt Hopper (3/3, one double and one rbi) and Ray Zincone (2/4, one double, two runs scored and three rbi's), West Warwick's Connie Mack team won their fifth game of the year with a 6-5 come from behind victory over East Greenwich.

Down 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth, Jake Woodside led off with a single to left field. After pinch runner Nick Pecchia advanced to second on a passed ball, Matt Grenier hit a towering triple to the right-center gap to tie the game at 5-5. One batter later, Ray Zincone singled in Grenier with the winning run.

Zincone, who came into the game in the sixth inning, picked up the victory by striking out three batters in 1 2/3 innings work.

Starter Hunter Dean had a solid outing before being removed from the game with stiffness in his neck. In 3 1/3 innings, Dean allowed only two earned runs. Matt Hopper, who allowed only one earned run, allowed only two hits in two innings.

Offensively, West Warwick also received hits from Ryan Carlson (1/3), Tom Pecchia (1/3, one double), Mike Pellerin (1/3, one run scored) and Tim Fournier (1/3, one run scored). West Warwick is now 5-1 on the year in Connie Mack play.

West Warwick 4  Slocum Baseball Club 3

After being shutout for most of the game, West Warwick's Connie Mack contingent rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 4-3 victory over Slocum Baseball Club of North Kingstown. For West Warwick it was their sixth win in seven games this summer.

The win almost assures West Warwick of qualifying for the Connie Mack New England Regional for the first time since 2000, when they faced former World Series champion, Manny Declarmen of the Boston Red Sox. In the bottom of the seventh, Matt Hopper led off with a walk and advanced to third on a double by Mike Pellerin.

After a walk to Tim Fournier, Hopper scored on a fielder's choice by Colby Knott. Nick Pecchia, then, followed with a single to score Fournier.

With runners at the corners, Slocum decided to intentionally walk lead-off hitter Matt Grenier, loading the bases with one out. Brogan Guilmette followed with a hard grounder up the middle which was deflected by the shortstop, scoring Knott. On the throw to the plate, the ball got by the catcher to score Pecchia with the winning run. Incoming

Freshman, Alex Pedus, picked up his second victory of the year with two innings of solid relief.

Starter Matt Grenier pitched well for West Warwick by striking out eight batters and allowing just one earned run in five innings of work.

Offensively, West Warwick only managed six hits off Slocum's Dean Streich and Mark Halloran. Getting those hits were Matt Grenier (1/2, one double and two walks), Tyler Boisclair (1/3), Mike Pellerin (1/3, one double), Tim Fournier (1/1, two walks and one run scored), and Nick Pecchia (2/2, one run scored).  

West Warwick 7  Coventry 1

Facing one of two remaining undefeated teams in the state, West Warwick pulled off a surprising upset over a talented Coventry nine, 7-1, in Rhode Island Connie Mack play. West Warwick senior Matt Hopper pitched one of his best games of the summer.

In his seven innings of work, the burly right-hander, allowed just one run on six scattered hits while striking out one batter and walking none.

Defensively, his teammates played well behind him. Centerfielder Brogan Guilmette and his corner outfielders Kyle Kortick and Tim Fournier combined for five putouts. In the infield, they received solid play from shortstop Ray Zincone (three assists and three putouts), second baseman Matt Grenier (three assists and one putout) and third baseman Hunter Dean (two assists and one putout). First basemen Ryan Carlson and Tom Pecchia combined for one assist and seven putouts.

In addition, incoming WWHS sophomore Nick Pecchia played extremely well behind the plate, calling most of the game and not allowing one passed ball.

Through the first three innings, Coventry graduate, Dave Mallardo, who permitted only one hit (two-out double to Ray Zincone in the first inning), dominated the WW line up by striking out six batters and stranding three runners in scoring position.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, however, West Warwick scored the game's first run when Ray Zincone walked, stole second and eventually scored after Tom Pecchia and Nick Pecchia (rbi) hit back to back singles.

In the top of the fifth inning, Coventry tied it up when Nick D'Ambra singled, advance to second on an error and scored on a single by Michael Viveiros. In the bottom of the fifth inning, WWCM opportunistically took a 2-1 lead when Matt Grenier (walk) scored on a bases loaded walk to Ryan Carlson.

After leaving Anthony Masseur (2/3, one double and one triple) stranded at third base in the top of the sixth inning, West Warwick broke open the game by scoring five runs on two hits, two walks, one sacrifice bunt and one two errors.

West Warwick (7-1) and Coventry (7-1)will be representing the Cooney Conference as the Southwest and Southeast divisional leaders in the New England Regional which starts on July 17th.  

Scituate 2  West Warwick 1 

Despite receiving a solid pitching performance from Senior Matthew Grenier, West Warwick lost to last year's Rhode Island Connie Mack State Runner-Up, Scituate, 2-1.

Grenier, who allowed just three singles, struck out ten batters, issued no walks, and did not allow an earned run. Out of 87 pitches, who threw 59 strikes.

Down 2-0 in the top of the sixth inning, West Warwick cut the Scituate deficit to 2-1 when Grenier reached first on a hit batsmen, stole second base, and later scored on Matt Hopper's fielder choice.

In the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded and one out, West Warwick's freshman Colby Knott made a spectacular player when he caught a fly ball in right field and threw out a runner at the plate to the end the inning.

West Warwick's rallied in the seventh inning after receiving hits from Tim Fournier (lead-off single) and Matt Grenier (two-out double, but Scituate's infielders made perfect throws to record the final two outs of the game. Offensively, West Warwick only received hits from Grenier (1/3, one run scored and one stolen base), Kyle Kortick (1/2, one stolen base), Tim Fournier (1/3, one stolen base), and Hunter Dean (1/3, one stolen base).

West Warwick (7-2), who had a five game winning streak entering the game, will play in the New England Regional this weekend.  

New England Regional:  Elmwood Sports (Pawtucket)  1  West Warwick 0 

Regardless of the level, there are three elements of baseball that a team has to do well in order to succeed:  solid pitching, good defense and timely hitting.

West Warwick's Connie Mack team, which is co-sponsored by Graham Insurance of Nationwide and DeRobbio's Barber Shop, received solid pitching and good defense in their New England Regional opener, but stranded five runners in scoring position in a 1-0 loss to Elmwood Sports, which is comprised of variou players extending from Pawtucket to North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Senior Matt Hopper and Junior Hunter Dean combined on a five hitter.  Hopper, who pitched the first four innings, struck out two batters and did not allow a free pass.  Dean struck out three batters and walked two in two innings of relief.

Richard "Richie" Marshall of Elmwood Sports, who earned Second Team All State honors and the Cy Young Award playing for Tolman High School last year, struck out ten batters, walked three and allowed only three hits in a complete game effort.  The Johnson & Wales Sophomore's kept the West Warwick batters baffled by his changing delivery.  

West Warwick had two chances to score first in the game.  

In the top of the second inning, WWHS graduate Evan Barrera led off with a triple off the right field fence, but was left stranded when Marshall struck out two batters and induced one ground out.

In the top of the fourth inning, West Warwick loaded the bases when Ray Zincone reached on a fielder's choice, Evan Barrera singled and Mike Pellerin singled sharply to center with two outs.  Marshall, however, pitched out of the jam by getting the last out on a hard grounder to short.  

Tolman scored their only run of the game in the bottom of the fourth.  Rob Arraujo (Attleboro, Mass.) led off the inning by reaching first on a hit batsmen.  After the stole second base, Brett Gadreau lined a single just over the infield to right-center for the game's only run.   

Down 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning, Matt Grenier reached on a walk and moved to second base on an error.  With one out,  WWHS graduate Ray Zincone lined a shot down the third base line which was ticketed for an extra-base  hit when third baseman, Jason Vieira dove to his right and made a diving catch.  Grenier reached third base when Vieira's attempted throw to second base went into centerfield.  With the tying run on third base, Marshall, once again got out of the jam by striking out the next batter to end the inning.  

 

 

It has been an eight year wait, but the wait is over! For the first time since 2007, the West Warwick Cal Ripken league has captured the Nine Year Old State Championship and will travel to Hebron, Connecticut for the 2015 9 Year Old New England Regional Tournament. After back to back wins over Washington Park (4-1) and CLCF (7-1),

West Warwick lost the first game of the championship to CLCF, 9-5, before capturing the title with a “winner take all” deciding victory of 4-2 against CLCF.

Opening Round: West Warwick 4 Washington Park 1

Led by the solid pitching of A.J. Hernandez and Leyton Belanger, West Warwick won their opening game against Washington Park, 4-1.

Hernandez picked up the victory by allowing just one run on two hits in four innings of work. Belanger picked up the save by striking out two batters in two innings of work.

West Warwick broke open the game in the top of the fourth inning when Tyler Artruc (single), Karl Swanson (walk), and Keegan Duane (walk) scored on a clutch two-out hit by Josh Pedus.

Winner’s Bracket Final: West Warwick 7 CLCF 1

Led by a seven-hit attack, West Warwick advanced to the Cal Ripken State Championship with a 7-1 victory over CLCF.

Offensively, West Warwick received support from Jay Anzivino (1/4, one run scored and 3 rbi’s), Logan Dean (1/4, one run scored and 1 rbi), AJ Hernandez (1/4, one run scored and 1 rbi), Tyler Artruc (3/4 and one run scored), Karl Swanson (1/2, one run scored and 2 rbi’s), Keegan Duane (three walks and one run scored) and Josh Pedus (one run scored).

Logan Dean, who worked the first three innings, picked up the victory by striking out seven batters and walking four batters.

State Championship – Game One: CLCF 9 West Warwick 5

In an error-filled game, CLCF took advantage of eight West Warwick errors and forced a “winner-take all” deciding game with a 9-5 victory.

Down 5-1, West Warwick rallied in the bottom of the fourth inning when Kamrin Buffrey (walk), Jay Anzivino (reached on an error) Logan Dean (walk) and AJ Hernandez scored to tie the game at 5-5. Tyler Artruc’s two-out bases-clearing double was the biggest hit of the inning.

CLCF, however, scored four unearned runs in the top of the sixth inning and hung on to the win.

State Championship – Game Two: West Warwick 4 CLCF 2

Led by the solid pitching of AJ Hernandez and Logan Dean, West Warwick punched their ticket to Hebron, Connecticut with a 4-2 victory over CLCF in the deciding game that took two days to conclude.

Hernandez worked the first three innings and allowed just one earned run on four hits.  Dean, who took over the pitching duties when the game continued on the second day, struck out five batters and allowed just one run on two hits and two walks.

After falling behind 1-0 when the rain halted play in the top of the third inning, West Warwick came out focused in the bottom of third inning when play resumed the following day. West Warwick took a 3-1 lead when they scored three runs on two walks (Keegan Duane and Jay Anzivino), a sacrifice bunt (Logan Dean) and two hits (AJ Hernandez and Tyler Artruc).

West Warwick added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth inning when Hernandez (2/2, two runs scored and 2 rbi’s) singled and scored on a fielding error on a Logan Dean grounder to second base.    

 

 

 Nine Year Old All Stars 

 Coaches

Mark Duane

Paul Morretti

 John Anzivino

Players

Karl Swanson #8

Kamrin Buffrey #1

Keegan Duane #20

Leyton Belanger #3

Caden Denton #4

Joshua Pedus # 12

Nick Brown # 42

AJ Hernandez # 5

Tyler Artruc # 6

Logan Dean # 2

Tyler Garofalo # 17

Jay Anzivino # 23