Waterford 13s come within a game of the World Series
Rochester, N.H. — Waterford coach Dave Laffey knew that even amid the recent lopsided victories, sooner or later the journey to the Babe Ruth 13-year-old World Series would reach a seminal moment.
And he watched it happen Wednesday in the New England Regional Tournament.
Relief pitcher Connor Podeszwa escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning with the score tied and struck out the game’s last batter with the tying run at third base, giving Waterford a 7-6 win over Taunton, Mass., and a berth in today’s championship game at 11 a.m. against Keene, N.H.
“Connor was unbelievable today,” Laffey said.
Podeszwa spelled starting pitcher Jared Burrows and fellow reliever Luke Sokolski.
Ryan O’Connell’s two-out, RBI single snapped a 6-6 tie in the sixth.
“I was chain-spitting sunflower seeds, I can tell you that,” Laffey said. “I don’t know, maybe the day off (Tuesday) made it harder for the kids to refocus. Maybe they were a little nervous. We kicked it around early.”
Laffey said Ryan Bakken will pitch today.
Waterford defeated Keene 4-0 to begin the tournament over the weekend.
Today’s winner will go to the World Series in Ottumwa, Iowa, Aug. 11-18.
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