New Canaan Ripken 10s' Run Ends at States

NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- The New Canaan Cal Ripken 10-year-old All-Stars put on a sparkling display of talent in the district tournament, but the ride came to an end in the state tournament in New Milford. New Canaan beat Coventry, 11-3 in its opening game of the state tourney. Then it dropped its first winners bracket game to Hebron, 8-0, and was eliminated by Danbury, 17-5.

In New Canaan's lone win of the state tournament, Coventry jumped out to a 3-1 lead at top of the second. New Canaan’s offense took over from there with the big blows coming from Nathanial Bozzella and Mattie Knight, who drove in a combined five runs in the bottom of the inning. The All-Stars jumped out to a 10-3 lead and never looked back.

New Canaan’s defense and pitching shined as well. Starter Ben Sarda struck out three and Stephen Wronski struck out five in relief. Great defensive plays by Ryan McAleer and Will Shelden held Coventry in check. Jack DeFrancesco closed it out for New Canaan, notching a clean 1-2-3 sixth with one strikeout.

Caroline Sarda contributed to this article.

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