The Ocean State Makos 14U opened their Tournament season with a good showing at the NEBC PG Super 25 Regional Qualifier Tournament. Friday was all about pitching with CJ Hess setting the tone with four scoreless innings while striking out 6. Hess was followed by 2 scoreless innings from Brady Mellen and 1 inning of relief by Matthew Perez, leading to a 3-2 victory over the NE Hurricanes. Vinny Enright broke the ice with a clutch 2 out single to give the Makos the lead, followed by Ethan Lako with another single and 2 RBI’s.
Saturday the Makos looked to stay hot and got things started in the first inning vs Team BEAST 14u Black when Vincent Enright singled on a 2-2 count, scoring two runs.
The Ocean State Makos pulled away for good with an error, allowing two runs to score in the fourth inning.
Joe Cote took the win for the 14u Makos. He surrendered zero runs on two hits over three innings, striking out three. Damon Asencio and Brady Mellen entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. Mellen recorded the last two outs to earn the save for the Makos.
An early Sunday showdown between the GBG Hawks and the Makos took place, for the right to move onto the playoffs. The game was tied at one with the Ocean State Makos Blue 14U batting in the bottom of the fifth when Joshua Simpson singled on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs.
Brady Mellen toed the rubber for Ocean State Makos Blue 14U. He lasted three innings, allowing one hit and one run while striking out three.
Ethan Lako led the Makos with three hits in three at bats. Dante Ricci led the team with three stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with nine stolen bases.
After winning the pool, the Makos faced Nokona for the right to go to the Super 25 semifinals.
The Makos fell behind early and couldn't come back in a 3-2 loss to Nokona Baseball Chiefs on Sunday. Nokona scored on a single by Collins and a single by Falcone in the second inning.
The pitching was strong on both sides. Nokona Baseball 14U pitchers struck out nine, while Ocean State Makos pitchers sat down two.
CJ Hess was on the mound for the Ocean State Makos Blue team. He allowed six hits and three runs over five innings, striking out one. Joshua Simpson threw two solid innings in relief out of the bullpen.
The 14u Makos tallied eight hits on the day. Ethan Lako, Dante Ricci, and Joseph Cote all had multiple hits for the Ocean State Makos. The Ocean State Makos didn't commit a single error in the field. Scott Penney had six chances in the field, the most on the team.
Overall the team played well and is looking forward to competing in the upcoming tournaments throughout the summer.