In what can only be explained as a total team effort, the East Williston 10U baseball team defeated Port Washington, 6 -2, to earn the title of Williamsport Little League New York District 28 champions, accomplishing something that had never been done by a 10U team in the history of the East Williston Little League.
As has been the case all year, defense and pitching were the keys to the team’s success throughout the tournament. Pitchers Tyler Burke and Marco Ali, along with relief pitching from Antonio Pappa, dominated their opponents, at one point throwing 19 consecutive innings of shutout baseball. Catcher Nicky Guglielmo’s strong arm virtually shutdown every team’s running game. The infield anchored by Frankie Asaro and Luca Pappavero, with their spectacular plays, exhibited flawless baseball throughout the tournament.
Not everything came easy for East Williston, however. Prior to the championship game, East Williston lost to Port Washington in a 10-inning nail-biter that posted a 0-0 score through nine innings. Incredible fielding by Nick Sampogna helped keep East Williston in the game.
Opponents Manhasset and Merrilon were no pushovers either. East Williston defeated Merrilon, 1-0 ,and Manhasset, 8-4. Strong outfield play by Jack Fiorillo was one of the key reasons to their success.
It was in the championship game that East Williston showed what they were made of. A threee-hit pitching gem by Tyler Burke and Marco Ali never let Port Washington into the game. Timely hitting by Matt Mcleary and Shane Barry, along with great base running by Peter Cuomo, helped push across the winning runs. Michael Vitucci’s defensive plays extinguished any hope of Port Washington getting back in the game.
Coach Dave Burke credits the team’s work ethic and willingness to put the team ahead of the individual for their success.
“These are some of the most respectful, dedicated, and talented kids around and I am honored to be their coach,” the coach said.
