Published in the July 14, 2017 edition
THE BREWERS are the champions of the Minor League Championship Series of Melrose Little League.
MELROSE — The minor league Brewers won the Melrose Little League Championship by sweeping the top seeded Athletics in the best-of-three series.
Game One
Cameron Dunn quieted down the A’s offense in game one, pitching five innings and giving up only one run. Daniel Teittinen pitched a strong game for the Athletics, striking out eight Brewers. The Brewer offense, however, would have its say in the third inning. Brayden Pesce lead off with a walk and was followed by an RBI triple from Ben Dugan and an RBI single from Jack Shea, resulting in a five-run inning.
Brayden French and Mack Dillon had hits in the fifth inning to give the Brewers some insurance.
The Athletics defense was anchored by Max Betts and Ricky Teixeria who were solid in the field.
The Brewers Nick Vassallo made a play at shortstop to gun down the lead runner in the fourth inning.
The A’s were in a hole late in the game when Liam Thompson led off the sixth inning with a homerun to chip away at the Brewer lead. The Athletics threatened with hits from Adam Saragosa and Colm Flood, but the Brewers were able to hold them off to win game one, 11-2.
Game Two
Both teams came out swinging in the first inning of game two. Ben Hurley slapped an RBI single in the bottom of the first to help the Brewers take an early 4-1 lead.
The pitching then took over as Matty Palmer of the Athletics threw four more outstanding innings, fanning seven.
For the Brewers, Tim Rosell held the high-powered A’s offense in-check, striking out eight batters. Wes Rosell did his part by playing an outstanding second base, making plays throughout the playoffs.
The Athletics’ William Beach, Wes Cunningham and Jack Thompson all made plays to keep the Brewers from extending their lead for several innings.
Ben Dugan struck out the only three batters he faced in the fifth inning to hold off the A’s. The Brewers John Recinito closed out the series in the sixth, securing a 5-1 win.
