The East Williston 12U team’s epic journey in the Williamsport Little League Tournament came to an end on Thursday, July 23 when powerhouse Massapequa Coastal defeated the Wildcats 10-3 in the New York State Sectional Championship game.
It was the first time in the 60-year history of the East Williston Little League that one of its teams advanced to the sectional finals. This success was a culmination of this group’s hard work and dedication, which was evidenced in the tournament through dominant pitching, stellar defense and timely hitting.
On the mound, Marco Ali proved to be the workhorse of the pitching staff, earning victories over Williston Park, Port Washington, and Franklin Square. He also pitched brilliantly in two championship games against Port and Massapequa Coastal.
The return of Wildcats pitcher Tyler Burke was perfectly timed, as Burke stifled Manhasset’s offense in his tournament debut and was called upon to face Port Washington’s potent offense in the District Championship, a game that East Williston won 5-1.
In the Sectional Tournament , the Wildcats received a clutch performance when Matt McCleary delivered a pitching gem, going the distance, and earning the victory against the high-powered Rockville Centre team, that defeated Massapequa. The Wildcats also received strong pitching performances by Antonio Papa and Frankie Asaro enabling the Wildcats to stay in the games and compete. Behind the plate, Nicky Guglielmo did all the catching duties. His ability to block pitches in the dirt, call a game, and shut down the opponents running game would be a weapon to any team’s success.
Defensively, the Wildcats had several outstanding performances. In the outfield, Nicky Sampogna had 2 home-run saving catches, reaching over the outfield fence and robbing the opponents in consecutive games. Antonio Papa made some spectacular catches whether he was running in full sprint into the gap or diving headfirst to catch fly balls hit to shallow centerfield. In the corner outfield positions, Matt McCleary, Jack Fiorillo, and Peter Cuomo made every defensive play their way.
In the infield, first basemen Tyler Burke and Jack Fiorillo played flawlessly, bailing teammates out on errant throws by picking them out of the dirt and securing the out. The middle of the infield saw strong performances by shortstops Marco Ali and Frankie Asaro, along with Luca Papavero and Nicky Sampogna. In the “hot corner” at third base, both Michael Vitucci and Shane Barry made pivotal plays throughout the tournament in key situations.
Offensively, the Wildcats were led by its Big Five: Marco Ali, Tyler Burke, Antonio Papa, Matt McCleary and Nicky Guglielmo. Their ability to get on base and drive runs in were pivotal in securing the team’s second District Championship. However, during sectional play, it was the bottom of the order that was responsible for the team’s advancement to the Sectional Championship game. Timely hitting by Nicky Sampogna and Luca Papavero proved to be the difference as the top of the order got on base, enabling the bottom of the line-up to become the heroes.
The team will continue its journey in competitive play this summer participating in tournaments at Hershey Park, Cooperstown All-Star Village, and Cal Ripken in Aberdeen.
Congratulations to the 10U and 11U East Williston Williamsport teams for an exceptional tournament, as well. Both teams played in the championship games of their division. It was the first time ever that EWLL sent all three teams to the championships.
