Cranston 15’s score 38 runs in two games to start tournament

Jacob Marrocco
Posted 7/15/15

Cranston Babe Ruth 15-year-old All Stars manager Bob DeCosta said that one of his team’s biggest issues in last season’s regionals was scoring runs.

If their start to the state tournament …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Cranston 15’s score 38 runs in two games to start tournament

Posted

Cranston Babe Ruth 15-year-old All Stars manager Bob DeCosta said that one of his team’s biggest issues in last season’s regionals was scoring runs.

If their start to the state tournament this year shows anything, it seems the offensive woes might be remedied. Cranston breezed past Aquidneck Island 28-0 to set up a meeting with West Warwick, the tournament’s host team, whom it dispatched 10-1.

“They’re a bunch of good ball players,” DeCosta said of his team. “I want to see what we can do. We’re just looking to sweep four [and win the title].”

Cranston saw 11 different players score at least one run against Aquidneck. Shortstop Steve Rocchio put up video-game numbers, leading the way with two singles, two doubles and seven RBIs on the afternoon. Third baseman Nick Dionizio reached base five times against Aquidneck, registering three RBIs on a base-loaded hit-by-pitch and walk and an RBI bloop single.

Cranston extra hitter Matt Siravo led off the game with a single up the middle, later scoring the only run Cranston would need on an RBI groundout by right fielder Matt Doire. Siravo led his squad with four runs scored.

Rocchio came across the plate for his first of three runs on the day on a passed ball in the first to put Cranston up 2-0.

The game was still reasonably within reach after the third inning when Cranston was on top 8-0, but Aquidneck could not find any offensive momentum. Brett Traficante went two innings to start the game for Cranston, striking out five of the six batters he faced. Steve Jacques picked up the win in relief and got himself out of the day’s biggest jam, a first-and-second, two-out situation. Colin Breneau stepped in and popped up into shallow left field where Dionizio made a reaching, over-the-shoulder catch to end the threat.

“We’ve got great pitching,” DeCosta said. “Great pitching, we’ve got a lot of pitchers. I mean, kids that can throw strikes. And our defense is great.”

The fourth inning saw Cranston break the game open for good, plating its first 10 runners of the frame. Rocchio ripped a two-RBI single into left field to make it 9-0, before Doire picked up another RBI with a base hit of his own. Four straight players picked up RBIs at one point. Pinch hitter John DeRoun singled to center, catcher Nick Poulos walked, Dionizio was hit by a pitch and Jacques legged out an infield single, all of which brought a run home.

Siravo scored the first and last runs of the inning, coming home on Rocchio’s second two-RBI hit of the fourth. When the dust settled, Cranston led 19-0 heading into the fifth.

Cranston wasn’t done, though, scoring nine more in the top of the fifth to put itself up 28-0. Rocchio continued his strong performance, crushing a three-RBI double deep into the left-centerfield gap. Centerfielder Jayman Albizu also picked up another RBI with a bloop single to right field, while Poulos and Dionizio also drove in runs.

Cranston’s offense carried into its Sunday matchup with West Warwick, which it won 10-1. The victory set up a winners’ bracket tilt with Warwick PAL on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. at McCarthy Field. PAL had only played once going into Tuesday night, defeating Coventry 12-2 on Sunday.

“No,” DeCosta said when asked if Cranston has hit its maximum potential yet. “Absolutely not.”

Results from Cranston’s game against Warwick were unavailable at press time.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here