The Rye 12 U Tournament Team made history Sunday night by becoming the first ever Little League team from Rye to win NY State Sectionals. Rye Teams previously won District 20 Championships (and the right to play in Sectionals) in 1981, 2008 and 2017.
Following a dramatic comeback win on Friday night to get to the finals of the double elimination tournament with zero losses, Rye was up against powerhouse Stony Point again on Sunday, and fell 5-1 in game one. Despite the loss, Parker Woods pitched lights out baseball to send a message that Rye was not going to roll over in the the winner-take-all final game that began at approximately 9:30pm at Stony Point’s home field.
In the nightcap, Charlie Brady pitched amazing well, got the win while reaching the Little League daily limit of 85 pitches after 5 2/3 innings. In the outing Brady only gave five hits and two runs while striking out four. Luke Scully came on in relief to get the save by retiring Stony Point’s final batter on a routine groundout to 2nd baseman Luke Ontaneda.
Just like on Friday night, Rye trailed 2-0 late in the game. And just like Friday night, the Rye team exhibited a resilience that would pay off for them when it mattered most.
Jack MacFarlane and Patrick Doyle reached base to start the bottom of the 5th, and Paul Heintz singled with one out to load the bases. Charlie Rodilosso worked an 8-pitch walk to force in Rye’s first run of the game.
Jamie Morris followed with another 8-pitch at bat, but this one ended in a massive Grand Slam that put Rye in front to stay at 5-2 for the win.
Key defensive plays earlier in the game by Patrick Doyle and Luke McKay kept things close, while offensive contributors included Sam Scully, Aidan Pymm and Luke Davies.
The win sends Rye to compete for the NY State Title in Rochester later this month.
