Winthrop LL 12-year-old falls in Final Four of District 16 Tournament

The Winthrop Little League 12-year-old Williamsport team showed its resilience with a dramatic 9-8 victory over East Lynn Sunday, but the postseason journey ended the next night in a loss to Lynnfield in the Final Four of the District 16 Tournament.

The three games in three nights journey for Manager Mike Triant’s contingent had begun with a tough 5-4 loss to Peabody West Saturday at MacArthur Park in Peabody.

Bryce O’Brien kept Winthrop in contention with an outstanding relief pitching performance, taking the mound in the second inning.

Winthrop took the lead, 4-3, in the fourth, but Peabody scored runs in the top of the fifth and top of the sixth to eke out the victory.

Winthrop started the game with three straight basehits as Ryan McKenzie, Chase Triant, and Brendan O’Brien loaded the bases. Winthrop scored two runs on two walks.

Winthrop made some outstanding defensive plays in the game, with outfielders Chase Triant and Matthew Vasel throwing out runners at home plate and third base respectively.

Cam Lounsbury, Ryan McKenzie, and Jace Eruzione each had two hits in the game versus Peabody.

Chase Triant pitched 5 2/3 innings, striking out 12 batters in a 9-8 victory over East Lynn Sunday in Swampscott.

East Lynn tied the game at 6-6 before Ryan McKenzie led off with a single to ignite a three-run surge.

East Lynn rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh before McKenzie nailed down the win by getting the final EL hitter on a popup to shortstop Chase Triant.

Winthrop ran out of steam in a loss to Lynnfield Monday night in the double-elimination tournament. Bryce O’Brien, a mainstay throughout the tournament, provided an offensive highlight with a solo home run.

Triant said his team showed a lot of heart by its response to the tough, one-run loss to Peabody West and he will treasure the memories of Winthrop’s strong and spirited run in the 11-team tournament.

“I’m so proud of every one of the kids that were on this team and the guys who coached with me,” said Triant. “It was an amazing experience for all of us, and I hope that it’s something that Winthrop Little League and baseball in the town can build off of. I know that it’s something that all of these kids will be better athletes and young men from it.”