Those of us that ignored the torrential rain in Westfield and traveled to Booth Field in Scotch Plains today were rewarded with an opportunity to see 24 outstanding 10 year old baseball players doing what they love best. This District 12 Babe Ruth Tournament semifinal game matched the Westfield White team against our Westfield Blue to see who would proceed to the Championship Game. Both teams played exceptionally well but Westfield White used their speed to run the bases a little more aggressively and came up with some key defensive stops to edge out WB 4-2. With friends, neighbors and former teammates playing against each other, many of the parents ended up cheering for both teams - and both teams certainly deserved it.
It looked like a promising start for WB in the first. After Oberman singled up the middle and Owen Murray drew a walk, Hess drilled a line drive that was knocked down on an excellent defensive play by the umpire, limiting Hess to a single and preventing a run from scoring. In the bottom of the first, WW was able to manufacture a run after Chris Rinaldi walked and stealthily stole his way around the diamond.
Both teams went quietly in the second, with both Vincent Difilippo and Tyler Roth pitching superbly. In the top of the 3rd, WB tied the game at 1-1 after Roth singled and was advanced by Oberman’s walk, a ground ball from Owen Colwell and a line drive single by Owen Murray. In the bottom of the 3rd, Eric Varakian hustled his way on base after a hard hit grounder to 2nd was unable to be fielded. He advanced on a walk by Rinaldi and scored on Difillipo’s RBI hit. After Rinaldi and Difillipo both stole bases, there were runners on 2nd and 3rd with Nick Mele at the plate. Nick hit a towering blast that sent centerfielder Oberman back to the fence. Fortunately for WB, the fence in center at Booth field is 200’ and Oberman was able to catch the ball; at Gumbert or most other fields that ball would have been gone.
WB was able to load the bases in the 4th but couldn’t send anyone home. After Chris Boutsikaris and Tom Summers drew leadoff walks in the bottom of the 4th, Oberman was brought in for relief. Despite picking up 2 K’s, WW was able to tack on another run as the speedy Bouts stole home when a passed ball ricocheted around the backstop, giving WW a 3-1 lead.
Chris Rinaldi took the mound for WW in the 5th and held WB scoreless while WW picked up another run on 2 groundball singles and some very good base running by Difillipo and Mele, making the score 4-1 after 5.
WB almost got a rally going in the top of the 6th as George Devanney Murray and Justin Lin both singled. With one out, Owen Brancatella grounded out and a play was made for George at 3rd. The ball got past the third baseman, sending George home and Lin towards 3rd. George scored but Lin was called out at 3rd in a very close play to end the game.
After the game, WW’s Nick Mele gave a post game interview in which he complimented WB for their play and reflected on the mutual respect that these two teams have for each other. Unfortunately that video clip got overwritten but it was very touching to see that at 10 years old Mr Mele is as gracious off the field as he is extraordinary on it.
[pictures to follow]
Rowan's Catch (video by J.Rinaldi)
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