Wayne National advances to New Jersey Section 1 Championship

Written by Kyle Stackpole, contributing writer

For the second game in a row, Washington Township played a thriller, although this one was of the high-scoring variety. To make matters worse, Township wasn’t able to pull off the late-game heroics.

Wayne National 10, Washington Township 8

Washington Township took a surprising 3-0 lead early in the game with Wayne National’s star pitcher Dominic Cancellieri on the mound. He exited the game early on with just 35 pitches keeping him available for the championship game.

Wayne National got on the board in the third, when Ari Field knocked in John Boscarino. After singles from Cancellieri and Field, things got even better for Wayne National. Steven DiPaolo hit a three-run bomb and Wayne National was on top 4-3. The kids from Wayne weren't done yet. Danny Murphy added a two-run shot of his own, giving Wayne National a 6-3 lead.

Washington Township stole one back in the bottom of the third to cut the lead to 6-4. In the top of the fourth, it was Cancellieri’s turn to join the home run parade. He hit a two-run shot that left the yard quicker than any I have seen in this tournament so far.

Washington Township was not going down without a fight. They mustered three hits and three runs in the bottom of the fourth to cut the deficit to just 8-7.

After a scoreless fifth, Wayne National received some much needed insurance. Hits by Boscarino, Cancellieri, and Field gave Wayne National two more runs and a three-run lead heading into the last inning. Washington Township threatened in the bottom half, but could only put one across, giving Wayne National the huge win.

Boscarino, Cancellieri, and Field were incredible for Wayne National. They were 8-for-9 with four runs batted in and five runs scored. With the win, Wayne National advances to the Sectional title game on Thursday. Washington Township is now forced to play tomorrow against Par-Troy East, who eliminated Somerset Hills in the late game.

On a side note, this was one of the best little league games I have seen. It was back and forth and full of drama. In addition, Dominic Cancellieri is a name to look out for down the road if Wayne National continues to advance. He is a star in the making.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Wayne National played without its third and fourth hitters tonight. Unknown reasons. Very impressive victory.

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