Oh so close: Clinton 10-12 team stopped by North Pocono

By Tom Elling

INDIANA, PA – Clinton was in the driver’s seat after downing North Pocono on Saturday, 2-0 in the winner’s bracket at the Pennsylvania Little League championships, but the going got to be much tougher in the rematch. North Pocono would have to win game #1 Monday evening at Kolvachick Field to force a winner-take-all second game. That was a real challenge to the team from Northeastern PA representing Little League District 17.

The returning State Champions from last year’s 9-11 team proved to be up to that challenge, but it would take extra innings to defeat a very talented Clinton squad. Clinton went into the lead in game #one as Maesyn Franquet led off with a single. Reagan Weaver followed with a double. After an out, Mallory Wunder looped a fly into short right field. The NP second sacker made a back-to-the-infield catch but Franquet tagged and scored. Clinton stranded a very important runner at third.

In the top of the second, NP evened the score with Adysen drawing a lead-off walk. She advanced to second on a groundout and was plated when Cam Forgione rapped a two-out single up the middle. Forgione was thrown out by Clinton catcher Reagan Weaver as she tried to steal third. (SS Franquet covering third as Karson Zidick was playing up close to defend against the bunt).

In the top of the fourth, North Pocono took the lead. Again with two outs, Iyoob singled; stole second and scored on a base rap by Anna Clementoni. Manager Sean Weaver decided to change pitchers (daughter Camdyn was the starter). Franquet came in on relief to retire the side.

Clinton answered in the bottom of that inning. Camdyn Weaver dropped a slicing drive down the LF line for a double. Mallory Wunder picked up her second RBI with a single to tie the score at two. She scored from 3rd when the catcher dropped a throw to the plate. The locals regained the lead, 3-2.

In the top of the 6th, an error on a ground ball by pitcher Ariella Bell put the tying runner on. Avarie Roscioli singled up the middle. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch. Iyoob again came through with an RBI groundout to the right side. Unearned run, but it tied the score.

Clinton went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 6th, sending the game into extra innings. Neither team scored in the 7th, but Clinton did threaten, getting two out, back-to-back singles from Aubrey Miller and Emily Motter. Standout pitcher Bell recorded a strike out to end the threat.

In the 8th per LL rules, NP put a runner on second. A walk placed two on and no outs. That was when the wheels came off. after a ground out, NP were beneficiaries of two more walks. The second forcing in a run. That nemesis Iyoob once again came through with a two-run single. Another walk and Coach Weaver went back to his starter, who ‘K-ed the first batter, but then gave up another two-run hit by Forgione. When the dust cleared, NO had scored 5 runs on just two hits and held a comfortable 5-run cushion with Clinton having one last chance to tie. They did get two on with an error and another single by Wunder, Leah Wian scored on the error, but then a fly out ended the threat.

North Pocono with the win forced a winner-take-all game. After a 15-minute break, the coin toss gave the NP team the home team advantage.

Clinton, perhaps a bit deflated, did not score a run until the top of the 6th, but by then had been behind by nine. Once again Bell was dominate on the mound. She had just four strikeouts in both games, but walked no one and her defense, led by a sensational couple grabs in right field by “ta-dah’ Adysen Iyoob, was practically flawless.

Maesyn Franquet went 2-3, while Reagan Weaver and Mallory Wunder tagged the only other hits off Bell- both singles.

In game one, Reagan Weaver had a double. Sister Camdyn also added a two-baser. Mallory Wunder was 2-3 with two RBI. Aubrey Miller and Emily Motter added singles.

Coach Weaver was disappointed with the outcome, but tipped his hat to a very solid North Pocono team and wished them luck in Bristol, CT. He remarked, “Our girls battled, and we lost. I am still so proud of them, and the sun will come up tomorrow.” The coach also praised the families for all of their support.

It stands to reason either of the two teams would have made a great PA representative in Bristol. North Pocono earned that honor and should be in contention to win the next step.

Footnotes:

Former areas sportswriter Tom Fox tuned in and enjoyed our broadcast. He provided us with the information about this North Pocono team winning the states at the 9-11 age bracket last year, and also that the vast majority of the girls are still just eleven.

Mrs. Iyood was also very pleased with our broadcast as her mother was listening back home and enjoyed our praise of her granddaughter.

Mike Frank, Butch Miller and I returned to the Dotterer meeting place shortly after midnight. And I composed this report, concluding at 1:20 a.m. We’d all do it again. Great effort, girls. Your community is very proud of all of you.