Vineyard Little Leaguers chasing the World Series

Martha’s Vineyard got off to a great start in Little League World Series qualifiers on Saturday, as both the 12U and 11U ballclubs picked up off-island victories.

The U12 team, coached by Ernie Chaves and Adam Cummings, overcame a 3-6 deficit in the sixth inning and sent the game into overtime, sending Bridgewater off the field with a wild pitch in the seventh inning.

Meanwhile, the 11U team coached by Dan Doyle, Moira Silva and Chris White delivered great performances on the hill with Luke O’Connor and Emmett Sylva leading the Vineyard past Middleborough 6-4.

“We’re really seeing the kids get along with each other – they’re making great progress,” said coach Silva. “They’re really excited to be a part (of the LLWS). Their attitude is great.”

The 12U team’s comeback was spearheaded by a Tiernan Crowell double with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, scoring Mateo Lynch and Hollis Tilton. After a sacrifice fly by Pablo Begle tied the score at 6-6, Bridgewater made a great play to left that sent the ball into overtime.

Back on the mound, Anthony Fuller silenced Bridgewater’s bats in order. In the bottom of the seventh inning, River Loughman hit a double to third base off Tyler Alton, who then scored on a passed ball for the win.

Pete Rosbeck also pitched four innings with two runs for the U12 team, mirroring Luke O’Connor’s outstanding performance for the U11 team.

O’Connor managed ten strikeouts in four innings and was relieved by Sylva, who secured the win. After allowing three runs in the first inning, the Vineyard pitchers held Middleboro to just one run in the next five innings.

“We’ve seen something special with Luke,” said coach Silva. “He’s a cool little athlete.”

The Vineyards offense was powered by two hits and two runs from Rye Silva and two RBIs from Alo Blake.

The 11U team also played its second-round game last week, losing 8-7 at home to Barnstable on Monday afternoon. The Vineyards outscored their opponents 12-7, but their sixth-inning rally ended with a close hit at second base.

Seven different Vineyard players got in the start on Monday, with Rye Silva again getting two hits and Willy Bologna recording two RBIs.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Doyle and Luke O’Connor made some nice plays in the field for MVLL and Marlin Goodwin threw five strikeouts with one run.

Since the LLWS qualifiers are structured as a double knockout tournament, the 11U team will play against Bog Town Little League of Carver for their tournament victory on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Penn Field.

The U12 club will travel to the winner of Sandwich and Bog Town on Saturday, time to be announced.