All-Star Team is in the Hunt in District 16

The 12-year-old Little League District 16 Williamsport Tournament is usually not kind to the little town of Winthrop. Facing large communities like Peabody, Salem, and Lynn usually means an early exit.

However, this year’s Winthrop 12-year-old team is making some noise in the tournament and the biggest reason is “team.” Through hard work, effort and unselfish play the whole has become greater than its parts. Pitching has been behind a lot of the success.

Winthrop first defeated Pine Hill of Lynn by a score of 5-3 off of strong pitching performances by Zachary Fisher and Chris Zuffante. Solid outfield play by Patrick Stafford and the rest kept the game close until Ethan Cash boomed a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth that proved to be the difference maker in the win.

Winthrop next played its best game thus far but fell just short, losing a heartbreaker, 2-1, to the Peabody American team. Jack Wallace was sensational pitching a one-hitter and hitting a solo home run for Winthrop’s only score.

Fielding proved to be the story this game anchored by the solid play of Luigi Spinazzola at first base. Stephen Rogers and Frank Ferrara both made clutch throws to Hunter Gillis at home plate to keep the game close. In the end Winthrop fell just short losing 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

One the edge of elimination Winthrop showed great character by reversing its fortune with a 10-9 walkoff win against Revere. Sam Deeb and Charlie Page both had two hits each in the game. Colin Raiter scored the winning run off of a Chris Zuffante single in the bottom of the sixth.

Coach Bobby Fisher and his 12-year-old Winthrop team now head into the weekend against East Lynn with the knowledge and the attitude that if you play as a team David really can topple Goliath.