Middletown Babe Ruth 12s win District tourney

The Middletown Babe Ruth 12-year-old baseball team went 4-1 in their recent district tournament, held in Matawan. The tournament included some tough teams from Hazlet, Matawan, Manalapan, Cheesequake, Holmdel and Keansburg.

On the final night of competition, the Middletown boys needed one more victory to move to the next level — the state tournament — when a tough Manalapan team stepped in and put that dream on hold with a 4-3 last-inning victory.

Middletown was down but not out. In the next game, Manalapan jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, really testing the resolve of this strong Middletown team.

Middletown was up to the task, coming back to win the game, 10-6.

Connor Delepine and Anthony Marini were masterful on the mound all tournament long. Home runs were hit by Joe Ciccone, Ian Scarangello, Jason Klich, Anthony Marini and Connor Delepine at critical points throughout the tournament.

Other timely hitting and offense was supplied by Tom Marino, Nick Mitchell, and John Riordan.

The team also played stellar defense with Kevin Morris, Tom Marino and Joe Coppola turning two 5-4-3 double plays in the later innings of the last game to help ensure the victory. Other web gems were made by Nick Mitchell and Connor Delepine. Mike Norton and Jesse Whelan were also solid defensively.