CWLL 11’s hanging on in regional tourney

The Cranston Western 11-U all-stars are battling in their regional tournament up in Beverly, Mass. and got off to a solid start going 1-1.

The team earned a comeback, walk-off win in the first game in a 4-3 decision against Massachusetts.

CWLL entered the final inning down two runs, but Brooklyn Bank continued to produce for CWLL as he went on to hit a 2-run single to clinch the win.

Brayden Leveillee also had a big day at the plate, driving in the team’s first two runs. Bank pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed two earned runs while striking out five batters. Tommy Glasgow and Matthew Beverly came on in relief to close the door.

The team dropped a tough 6-1 loss to Washington, DC the following game. Glasgow recorded the team’s lone hit and he drove in Beverly in the fourth inning. Glasgow, Beverly and Max Conte combined for nine strikeouts on the mound and allowed just two earned runs as the defense struggled with four errors.

“There are a lot of great teams from all over the region, it has been great baseball. They performed well on Saturday and that was a great time. They’re having a great time and it’s a really well-run tournament. Whatever comes next, we’ll make the most of it,” said CWLL 11’s manager John Moretta.

The team will need some help from other clubs to potentially earn a spot in the semifinals. Regardless of how the remainder of the tournament plays out, Moretta and company enjoyed another big summer of baseball.

“All summer, it was just about staying in the game. We were down 3-0 (against Massachusetts) and were able to put a rally together. Play through it, believe in yourself and believe in your teammates,” Moretta said. “It’s a great group of parents, players and coaches. We’ve had a fun summer and this is a great way to end it. Win the district, win the state and compete at regionals.”

With many of the players expected to jump to the 12-U level next summer, where they will be competing for a spot in Williamsport, Moretta was also thankful they got another chance to compete against some of the country’s best clubs.

“It’s been a great experience for the kids. They get to travel, stay in the hotel, meet other kids. It’s important to see what’s beyond your own borders and what competition is out there. Different teams play the game in different ways, so it’s good for them to see those different styles and better competition,” Moretta said. “A lot of these guys have played in a regional before, so we’ve been able to build on that experience, but it’s always helpful for them to prepare as a team and their own personal games. More exposure is never a bad thing.”