Wakefield, R.I. — Willie Rios limped off the mound late Sunday afternoon. A twisted ankle prematurely ended his start.

While a bit frustrated over his lack of command, Rios had reason to be happy.

A Waterford resident and former St. Bernard School star, he's back home for the summer pitching for the Mystic Schooners of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

For the first time in a few years on Father's Day, he played with his father, Willie Rios Sr., in the stands.

Rios, who recently completed his freshman year at Maryland, paid tribute to his father after pitching 3.1 innings in a 7-6 loss in 11 innings to Ocean State at Old Mountain Field.

"Without my Dad, I wouldn't be half the person that I am today," Rios said. "My Dad is definitely the reason why I do a lot of stuff that I do. ... Whenever I need something, I don't have to worry about it. I just ask my Dad and he's always there for me.

"This is my way of giving back to him and showing my appreciation for everything that he's done for me by being able to compete. ... That's one of the nicest things about coming home, because he's able to see my play every day, which is one of things that I really like and appreciate. He's my hero. ... I try to be just like my Dad."

His father sat behind home plate on Sunday, holding a radar gun and tracking his son's progress. He went over to the Mystic dugout to offer a few words of advice and a drink to Rios who struggled with his command and allowed a first inning run.

"Mechanically, I didn't feel right and he was able to come over right away and make the in-game adjustment, which is a big time advantage because no one knows me better than my Dad," Rios said.

As a parent and coach, Rios Sr. has been there every step of his son's baseball journey. They've traveled near and far to tournaments. They've shared the highs and lows that come with being an athlete. Their father-son bond has grown stronger over the years.

They've learned to negotiate the tricky line of communication, finding the right time to talk baseball.

"It's a roller coaster ride," Rios Sr. said. "There's a lot of sweat, blood and tears. ... He's a good kid and we enjoy him. He's our only kid. I know sometimes you've got to cut that umbilical cord. He's 19 and a big boy, but to us he's always going to be our baby."

Rios started to settle down in the third, retiring the side in order. After freezing Ocean State's Chuckie Robinson with a called third strike to lead off the fourth, he fielded a bunt toward the third base side and then twisted his ankle while making the throw.

Manager Phil Orbe came out to check on Rios who tested out his ankle with one warm-up pitch before departing. He allowed one run, four hits, walked three and struck out six in his third start of the summer. He entered the game 2-0 with a 0.93 earned run average.

Rios will spend the summer honing his craft. His ultimate goal: play professionally. He's wanted to pursue his dream since an early age.

"When he was five years old, he used to tell us he was going to be a major leaguer," Rios Sr. said. "At that age, like any father, you encourage him. You ask him today, he'll tell you that his first and last job is going to be playing baseball. I'm starting to believe it now."

With that goal in mind, Rios is leaving Maryland after one season during which he went 1-2 with an 8.24 earned run average in nine appearances. He considered it a great experience despite his struggles.

Rios is looking to transfer to a junior college, planning to visit Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y., and also considering Central Arizona and State College of Florida.

"The biggest thing, I just wanted to be able to be eligible for the draft again," said Rios, who was picked in the 26th round by Arizona in the 2014 draft. "If I stayed at Maryland, I would have had to wait another two years before I would be draft eligible. With me leaving and going to a two-year college, I'm able to be drafted next year."

This summer, Rios will enjoy playing in his backyard. He believes he can learn a lot from Orbe and pitching coach Dennis Long, who've both known Rios for years.

His father will be there, too, rooting for his son from the stands. He enjoyed every nervous moment on Sunday.

"This is the best," Rios Sr. said. "I couldn't think of a better way to spend my Father's Day. Hopefully, there will be many more years I am watching my son play." 

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe