Published in the June 27, 2017 edition.
The American League champion Red Sox beat the National League champion Cubs 6-3 on Friday night, to win the Wakefield Little League Championship.
The Red Sox were down 2-1 with two outs in the top of the 5th inning, when Gianni Mercurio delivered a clutch, Big Papi-like three-run homer to left centerfield, giving the Red Sox a 4-2 lead.
John Porter pitched a solid six innings for the Red Sox, striking out nine and scattering five hits. The Red Sox got additional runs off the bats of Phillip D’Alleva and Chris Munroe.
The Sox had an incredible season, going 16-0 in the regular season. Their only loss occurred to the Orioles in game one of the American League Championship Series. The Red Sox went on to win the second game of the ALCS, and finished the season with a 22-1 overall record. The Sox showed plenty of power in the postseason, crushing nine home runs in six playoff games. They also got solid pitching throughout the season from D’Alleva, Jack Stromski and Tommy Stanley.
Congratulations to coach Frank Leone and the Cubs on a great series and a phenomenal season.
The Red Sox coaches, Mike Mercurio, John Stromski, John Porter and Ralph D’Alleva, would like to thank the Wakefield Little League Board of Directors, President Andy Jameson, Mark Cheffro, and Bryan Fabbri for their hard work all season.