The Cranston East Junior Little League team beat Elmwood in back to back games to win the District I Championship last week.

East went 2-0 in the three-team tournament and will next head to the state tournament which begins this week. East was led by stellar pitching performances throughout the two games and got timely hitting to get the wins over the tough Elmwood squad.

“Our pitching really took over Game 1. Chris Barboza started and Damian Wholey came in in relief. They were really dominant. Then in Game 2, Jamir (Liranzo) really dominated through four innings and didn’t give up a run,” said East manager Nestor Santana.

Allen Espinal led the team at the plate in Game 2, going 4-for-5 with three RBI while Barboza went 1-for-3 with two RBI. Eddy McClung, Liranzo, Angel Luna and Anthony Pimental added one each.

“We are a really good hitting team and we have some really good baseball players, they’re big and strong. Chris Barboza, Damian Wholey, Jamir Liranzo, Elan Santana, they’re all really good players,” said Nestor Santana. “Chris Barboza, I would be surprised if you didn’t see him play pro someday. Elon is a monster and is just a really good player, he can play any place you put him. Allen Espinal is a standout. There are a lot of really good players on this team.”

As the state tournament looms, Nestor Santana hopes to see his team’s bats take another step forward and expects his pitching to be among the best in the state.

“Don’t reinvent the wheel, hit. If we hit, we’re in every game,” said Santana. “Our pitching is solid and I don’t anticipate us giving up many runs in the next rounds. But if we hit, then we will be in these games. A hitting team is a winning team.”

The CELL juniors team included: Allen Espinal, Adryan Urena, Angel Luna, Angelo Silvestri, Anthony Pimental, Chris Barboza, Damian Wholey, Eddy McClung, Elan Santana, Jamir Liranzo, Jayden Perez, Mac Ash, Neldwy Cruz and Santiago Gavalo. Coaches were Nestor Santana, Mau Espinal and Chris Ash.