The Comeback Kids Clinch a Mid-Atlantic Berth
 by Dr. Manny Cirenza

In a game that will probably qualify as young Wilton Youth Baseball’s greatest moment so far, a scrappy group of 11 years olds are on a magical ride.  Coming into the 2008 Cal Ripken State Tournament as the last seed, Wilton knocked off an undefeated North Colonie host as well as the tough Niskayuna and Kent teams in pool play to qualify as the first seed in the playoffs.  This set the stage for a dramatic semifinal game against Clifton Park to clinch a Mid-Atlantic Regional berth.

The Wilton team, already missing their star center fielder Matt Wells, has come together with solid defense and incredibly timely hitting.  Mike Angelini took the hill for the start and despite his very accurate and sharp pitching; Wilton was undone by poor luck and solid hitting by a Clifton Park team that just seemed to barely find holes in Wilton’s defense.   Ian Cirenza kept it close with a twisting over the shoulder catch of a line drive on the first base side.  Dylan Murphy dazzled with stellar defense all game long that thrilled the Wilton crowd.  Despite great hits from Grey Laniewski and Connor Wilmott, Wilton found itself down 6-0 after two innings of play.  Mike Cahill and Dan Sheppard entered the game to support the cause with solid defense that allowed the team to stay competitive.

After 9 consecutive outs, Wilton got two men on base in the 4^th inning.  Nick Anderson then drilled a three run homer to get the team back in the game and give the Wilton faithful hope for a comeback.  Dylan Murphy then shut down the Clifton Park bats as Wilton tried to tighten the score.  Connor Wilmott tripled and scored in the 5^th to set the stage for Jimmy Bennett’s solid pitching in the 6^th inning.    Down two runs in the bottom of the 6^th, things looked bleak until Anderson once again played the hero with another two run blast knotting the score and shaking Clifton Park’s confidence.

After a 6-6 tie in regulation play, Wilton ace pitcher Bryce Kahler come on in the 7^th inning.  Clifton Park was able to scratch across another run before Wilmott recorded the third out with the bases loaded.  Down one run Wilton saw its first two batters retired before Kahler came through with a sharp single to right.  Stalwart catcher Evan Strock then blasted a two strike two out triple to plate Kahler and tie the score at 7-7.  Bennett then come up and legged out an infield single to score Strock with the game winning run.  This sent the players, coaches and fans into a frenzied celebration.

Coaches Jim Bennett, Mike Murphy and Greg Wilmott congratulated their fantastic team and accepted praise from all the Wilton supporters on a job well done.  The spirited boys from the small town will advance to the State Championship game against Clifton Park’s other entry. Everyone who witnessed this incredible night will have fond memories of one of the greatest baseball games they have ever seen.