Keystone Intermediate All-Stars Late Comeback Not Enough, Fall to NJ 7-5

COMMACK, NY – The Keystone Intermediate 50/70 All-Stars with a valiant effort trying to redeem their first loss in the Eastern Regional tournament to Freehold, NJ.

Freehold had bested Keystone in the opening round of play 5-1, This time Freehold edged Keystone 7-5 eliminating them from the tournament.

The New Jersey team jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning then added another run in the bottom of the third inning to hold a 5-0 lead.

Keystone finally got on the board in the top of the fourth inning when Blade Myers led off with a bunt single to get on base followed by Cayde MCCloskey banged out another homer in the tournament, this time over the left field fence for Keystone’s first 2 runs to narrow the Freehold lead to 5-2.

Not to be outdone, Kaden Falls came to bat next and he sent the ball over the left field fence for a solo dinger chipping away at the NJ lead with Keystone now training 5-3.

Then with one out in the top of the fourth, Brady Bendik smacked a base hit to center field. Now, with tow out in the top of the fourth, Nash Welch gave a NJ pitch a ride over the center field fence for a 2-run homer, knotting the score at 5-5. Aaron Miller also had a base hit in the inning.

Freehold would regain the lead in the bottom of the fourth by scoring 2 more runs to close out the scoring in the game with the 7-5 advantage for NJ.

Brandi was Keystone manager, Ben Falls’ choice to start on the hill today. Bendik gave up 10 hits, 1 walk and fanning 2 Freehold batters in four full innings on the mound. Aiden Major closed out the last 2 innings of play allowing 1 walk and striking out 2 for his efforts.

The loss ends the Little League season for Keystone with a 9-3 record in post season play that earned them a District 12, Section 3 and Pennsylvania championships and a fourth place finish at the Eastern Regional tournament.