BT Falcons fought valiantly in Cal Ripken World Series.
The Burlington Township Falcons 10U baseball team had a summer to remember. After clinching the Mid-Atlantic Championship in July, the Falcons became the first team in the town’s history to make it to the Cal Ripken World Series. Joining nine other teams from the United States in Hammond, Ind., the Falcons began their quest for a 10U World Series title on Aug. 5.
The Falcons fell 1–0 against New England in their opening game, despite holding their opponents to only four hits. Starting pitcher Jordan Barclay pitched three strong innings, allowing only two hits, zero runs and striking out eight hitters.
Josiah Cuesta came in for Barclay in the fourth inning, getting out of a two-men on, no-outs jam. New England scored the winning run, however, in the sixth inning with a RBI double to right center field.
In their second match, the Falcons fought valiantly, but came up short again, losing to Mobile, Ala., 4–3 despite out-hitting them nine-to-two.
Game three of the pool play saw the Falcons run into hosts Hammond, who rolled to an 11–1 win over their New Jersey opponents.
On Aug. 8, the Falcons concluded their pool play with a 16–15 victory over South East Denver, Col., pounding out 21 hits. Barclay went 4–4 at the plate, while six pitchers combined for the victory.
Starting off their play in the Iron Man Bracket, the Falcons used a four-run sixth inning to hold off Willamette Valley, Ore., in a 5–2 victory.
The Falcons dream sadly ended on Aug. 11, losing to West Hartford, Conn., 6–5. A game-winning hit by West Hartford eliminated the Falcons from the competition, despite the Falcons using a three-run top of the sixth to tie the game at 5.
“We knew this would be a tough competition, but the boys played their tails off and we’re proud of them for that,” Falcons head coach Joe Dorety said. “The boys had a heck of a summer, and we cannot thank them enough for their energy and support.”
Several other Burlington County baseball programs had showed their support for the team, by either donations or words of support. The team used several fundraisers to help with the cost of attending the tournament and will remember these moments for the rest of their lives.
“To know we represented not only our little town, but the whole state of New Jersey is an amazing feeling,” Dorety said. “The town showed their support toward us as well, which was awesome to see.”
For more information regarding the Burlington Township 10u baseball team, check https://www.facebook.com/BurlingtonTwpBaseballAssociation.
