SPORTS

State Champs

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 7/20/22

The Warwick PAL 14-year-old Babe Ruth team won the state championship over North Providence last week in two games. This was the team’s second state title as a unit, as it won last year’s …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
SPORTS

State Champs

Posted

The Warwick PAL 14-year-old Babe Ruth team won the state championship over North Providence last week in two games. This was the team’s second state title as a unit, as it won last year’s championship as 13-year-olds.

After rolling to an 11-5 win in the first game, PAL would stay hot and pick up the 6-1 win to close out the series.

Now, PAL will travel to Westfield, MA to compete in the regional tournament this week.

“They’re very close and they play with a lot of focus and confidence, and trust in each other. They’re a very strong team. It is great to see them back and to defend their title and to be going back to Westfield,” said PAL coach Mike Mullane.

Anthony DeLuca took home MVP honors for PAL, pitching five innings in Game 2 and holding a no-hitter until 5 2/3 innings. He also got two hits and knocked in three runs in the victory.

“Anthony DeLuca gave us a tremendous effort. The directors said that naming MVP was a tough decision since we had so many great players, but in that second game Tony really stood out,” Mullane said.

Dom Berry pitched the sixth inning to close the game out; it was a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts.

Other impact players across the two games included Jude Monti, Carter Robbins and Shane Moro.

“Carter Robbins made a big impact on both offense and defense, especially on defense. He made spectacular plays in the field in each game. He really changed the game. Jude Monti reached base six of the seven times he batted. He had a tremendous impact in each game thanks to his aggressiveness on the base paths and his power,” said Mullane. “Shane Moro pitched five innings in Game 1 and had a two run single as well.

Although PAL will be returning most of the same core to Westfield. One key member will not be making the trip. Last year’s manager and longtime coaching legend Billy Piccirillo passed away suddenly last year, and the team has dedicated its season to him.

“We dedicated our effort in the house league at Warwick PAL to him. Our performance in the state tournament and the regional tournament will be in his memory as well,” Mullane said. “His spirit is always with us, he was so special and important to these kids.”

The PAL 14’s included: Derek Asciolla, Sam Shelton, Carter Robbins, Dominick Berry, Jack Cirelli, Carlos Gonzaga, Nick Pappas, Brady Motta, Shane Moro, Jude Monti, Derek Butler, Jackson Monte, Mike Mainelli, Justin Tourgee, Tony Deluca. Coaches were Mike Mullane, Thomas Mullane, Julian Rainey, and Manager Tom McMullen.

PAl, state champs

Comments

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