Red Sox and Royals clash in AAA little league showdown

TORRINGTON — The Steve Blass Northwest Connecticut Red Sox dropped a nailbiter 10-9 loss to Torrington Royal at Major Besse Park June 5.

The penultimate game of the AAA regular season came down to the wire with Torrington securing a walk-off victory in the final inning. The Red Sox, composed of players aged 9 to 11 from the six Region One towns, played a disciplined game and shook hands with their heads held high after the loss.

It was a calm spring evening as the game got underway, about 78 degrees with the sun comfortably beneath the tree line. Supporters for both sides dotted the foul lines to cheer on their teams.

Ben Young started the game on the hill for the Red Sox.Riley Klein

Torrington got out in front early with a 2-0 advantage after the first inning. The Red Sox responded with a comeback in the second. Teddy Kneeland, Lane Brooks, Quinn McNiff, Willa Lesch, and Henry Kneeland all reached home to bring the score to 5-2.

Torrington added another run, but the Red Sox tacked on two more in the third inning when Ben Young and Teddy Kneeland rounded the bases.

Berkley Karcheski played left field for the Red Sox June 5.Riley Klein

Quinn McNiff scored another in the fourth inning and the Red Sox’s lead peaked at 8-3.

Torrington caught fire in the bottom of the fourth with a whopping six runs. The Royals took a 9-8 lead going into the fifth and final inning.

Sam Norbit was a split-second away from tagging out the tying run at home.Riley Klein

Myles Shippa scored the tying run for the Red Sox, stealing home on a wild pitch. In the bottom of the fifth, Torrington mirrored the play and scored the go-ahead run in similar fashion. The Royals rejoiced in the infield after walking off with a 10-9 win.

The Red Sox’s record moved to 5-7 on the season while Torrington advanced to 3-4.

Kurt Hall safely reached first twice in the June 5 game at Major Besse Park.Riley Klein