Warwick North falls in World Series final, 4-2

Mike Weber
Posted 8/25/15

Culminating a spectacular week of playing in the prestigious Little League Softball World Series, the Rhode Island state and East Regional champion Warwick North All-Stars (14-2 overall, 4-2 LLSWS) …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Warwick North falls in World Series final, 4-2

Posted

Culminating a spectacular week of playing in the prestigious Little League Softball World Series, the Rhode Island state and East Regional champion Warwick North All-Stars (14-2 overall, 4-2 LLSWS) came up just a little short of their goal to win the championship.

Despite a 4-2 World Series final loss Aug. 19 to Southeast Region champion Rowan Little League of Salisbury, N.C., Warwick North’s 13 All-Star players are recognized as the second best softball team in the world. Now that’s definitely something that Warwick North coaches, fans and family members can really be proud of after their group of 11 and 12 year-old girls enjoyed remarkable success at the 10-team tournament in Portland, Ore.

Playing in the World Series at Alpenrose Stadium in Portland is something that they’ll have numerous fond memories about, particularly since it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for most kids. Competing in the championship game is a thrill second to none for any team. Perhaps if Warwick North could’ve avoided a rough start, then maybe it might’ve earned the title as world champs.

A disastrous first inning spelled defeat though for Warwick North, guided by manager Kevin DeTroia, and coaches Carlos Rodas and Brian D’Amato. Salisbury scored four runs in the top of the first inning to build a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

“These girls fulfilled their dreams by getting to the Little League Softball World Series,” said DeTroia. “I’m excited about their accomplishment. It’s been so much fun coaching this great group of girls, including my daughter Sophia and it was nice spending time on the field with her. That’s one thing you can’t take away and it fulfilled my dreams of coaching my daughter in the World Series.”

It was an uphill battle for sure for Warwick North from start-to-finish, especially facing such a solid and hard-throwing hurler like Salisbury’s Kali Morton (three strikeouts, one walk, four hits allowed). Nevertheless, Warwick North fought back, led by pitcher Emily Carter (four strikeouts, four hits allowed), who had a valiant effort in the pitching circle. Carter relieved starter Sierra Ricci (two hits allowed, walk, four earned runs) in the first frame and pitched the remaining 5 2/3 innings to help provide Warwick North with a possible chance for a come-from-behind victory.

“It was amazing to go through district, state and regionals undefeated, while being primarily unchallenged by our opponents,” said Carter. “My team played amazing throughout the entire summer. I couldn’t ask for a better team to be on. We’ve been playing together since we were age eight and we always dreamed about playing in the World Series. I just can’t believe that we came in second place in the entire world.”

Warwick North came back in the bottom of the third, highlighted by an RBI single by catcher Dyonna Rodas (1-for-3). Madison D’Amato, who reached base on an error, scored on a solidly hit grounder up the middle by Rodas. Warwick North trimmed the margin to 4-1 after three innings.

“We gave it our best shot and we played very well all the way through the tournament,” said Dyonna Rodas. “At first, we felt happy just being in the tournament. Then when we got here, we knew that we could really do a lot here. I think we could’ve beat them (Salisbury), but we had a tough first inning that hurt us a little. I wish we would’ve ended up on top, but we tried our best and that’s all you can ask for. We had lots of fun here, it was an amazing experience playing in the World Series and we probably won’t ever have another opportunity like this again. I’ve just had a great time playing softball with my team throughout this summer.”

Warwick North narrowed the deficit again in the fourth to get even closer on the scoreboard. Olivia Murray (1-for-2) singled and later scored on an RBI sacrifice groundout by Hailey Mackinnon to help Warwick North get within 4-2 after four frames.

“Emily pitched a great game today,” said Kevin DeTroia. “We just didn’t expect Sierra to have such a tough time at the beginning of the game. She was throwing well during pregame warmups and she said she felt good, but it just wasn’t her day. Emily came in and shut them (Salisbury) down. We couldn’t ask for anything more than that. It could’ve been a different outcome. If Emily started and we didn’t give up any runs, then we probably would’ve won 2-0, which would’ve been a better outcome.”

Two scoreless frames followed with both squads playing excellent defense. Salisbury was seeking to hold on to the lead to win the game and it proved to be a worthy champion at the conclusion of the exciting contest.

In the bottom of the sixth, Murray appeared to hit a bunt single, which would’ve brought the tying run to the plate for Warwick North.

“I thought that I was safe, because the first base official called me safe on the play,” said Murray. “But then after they huddled together to talk about it, I was called out. They (Salisbury) played a very good game though. We played really good defense to give ourselves a chance and everyone played hard. It’s still pretty good to get second place in the World Series and I feel good about that.”

After a lengthy discussion by officials though, they determined that she was indeed out on a close play at first base. The game then concluded when Warwick North’s final batter Bryanna Rastella (1-for-3, single) lined out at first base.

Warwick North reached the championship game after registering four straight wins. The team lost its first matchup of the World Series to Uganda, 3-2, before beating Puerto Rico, Texas and Oregon to finish atop Pool A. A 5-4 victory over Iowa set up its championship bout with Salisbury.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here