Sports

CLCF 10s are RI Cal Ripken Champs

Rebounding from an opening-round loss, the CLCF 10-year-old team captured the Rhode Island Cal Ripken Championship.

Story by Steve Richard of CLCF

Showing resiliency and tremendous heart, CLCF Baseball’s 10 year old team rebounded from an opening round loss to capture the RI Cal Ripken Championship by winning four games on consecutive days in the tournament held at Ricci Field. 

In the opening round on Saturday July 6, CLCF lost a 2-1 heartbreaker to a very talented Apponaug team.  Apponaug won its next game against Washington Park to earn a slot in the championship round, as CLCF started its longer road to the finals.  

On Sunday and Monday, CLCF played strong games beating West Warwick 10-0 and Washington Park 6-1, setting the stage for a finals showdown with Apponaug. CLCF faced another uphill battle having to beat Apponaug twice, with Apponaug needing only one win to capture the State crown.   

On Tuesday, CLCF’s bats came out swinging in a 13-2 win over Apponaug setting up a winner-take-all game for the State Championship.  The final game played on Wednesday was a classic.  Apponaug jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in a pitchers’ duel.   

Ayden Bliss pitched strong innings for CLCF, as the score remained the same heading into a tense fifth inning.  In the top of the 5th inning, Apponaug looked poised to add some insurance runs with two runners on base and two outs.  
Apponaug’s clean-up hitter laced a shot to deep left centerfield. CLCF’s centerfielder Jomar Pimentel raced to the ball and made a leaping over-the-shoulder catch to end the inning. Longtime observers of CLCF Baseball called the catch the best one that they have ever seen.   

CLCF loaded the bases in the bottom of the 5th inning.  With two outs and on a 3-2 pitch, Matt Davila hit a clutch bases clearing double to put CLCF ahead 3-1.   
Dante DeRousi pitched a scoreless 6th  inning as CLCF won the championship. Each of CLCF’s 13 players made contributions in the championship game.

Manager Dave Bussius and Coaches John DeRousi and Don Cesseretti are extremely proud of their team.  Ayden Bliss and Dante DeRousi led the pitching staff that allowed just six runs over the five games.  Kris DeGaitis was a rock at catcher and did not allow a pass ball during the entire tournament. Aaron Cocolli, Richard King and Austin Serpa manned the infield corners making key plays to stop rallies. Kyle Curtis and Jaden Rosa delivered run producing hits to allow CLCF to reach the finals. Matt Davilla and Dave Bussius were strong up the middle of the infield with several defensive gems.  

Especially important was CLCF’s outfield play with Tyler Cesseretti, Mario DelSignore, and Jomar Pimentel making put outs and consistently preventing runners from advancing on the bases.  It was a total team effort to win the championship.

The CLCF 10s have advanced to the Cal Ripken New England Regional Tournament, which will be hosted by CLCF for the first time and played at Ricci Field starting on Friday, July 19.

CLCF will represent Rhode Island as the State Champion, and the talented Apponaug team will also participate with six other championship teams from throughout New England.  

CLCF’s summer of tournament baseball is just getting under way as its 9 and 11 year old teams begin play this weekend in their Rhode Island Cal Ripken Tournaments.   

CLCF’s 12 year old team will represent Rhode Island in the New England 50/70 Tournament in New Milford, CT starting next weekend. This is the first year that CLCF will send a team to the 50/70 Regional Tournament, following CLCF’s successful inaugural season of 50/70 baseball this spring.   

Our 8 year team will participate in the Andreozzi Tournament, where CLCF has enjoyed strong success over the past few years including a championship and teams reaching the semi-finals.  

Updates regarding CLCF’s play this summer will be posted on CLCF Baseball’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CLCFBaseball


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here