NORWALK, Conn. -- The Pittsfield Babe Ruth 14-year-old all-stars battled back from a five-run deficit to tie it in the top of the seventh but dropped a 7-6 decision to Rhode Island on Monday at the New England Regional.

 

The loss drops Pittsfield from the eight-team regional, but it did not go down without a fight.

 

"I couldn't be prouder of how they battled back," Pittsfield coach Bryon Sherman said. "We fell down early and could have given up. I'm proud of the boys for their effort."

 

Sherman said starting pitcher Shane Bernardo deserved a better fate on the mound, but North Providence, R.I., jumpe out to an early lead with four unearned runs in the fourth.

 

Pittsfield got solid offensive production from Jonathan Monahan, who went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

 

Owen Krobath, Michael Britten and Kaden Codey each had a pair of hits.

 

Sam Sherman capped a one-out, five-run rally in the top of the seventh to tie the game with an infield single to tie it, 6-6.

 

But the Rhode Island champs converted a suicide squeeze attempt in the bottom of the inning to score the winning run.

 

Rhode Island moves on to face Keene, N.H., in Tuesday's regional semi-final.

 

Pittsfield's other two Babe Ruth all-star squads play Tuesday in their respective regionals.

 

In Westfield, the 13-year-olds take on the winner of Monday's game between Rhode Island and Connecticut in the regional semis at 4:30 on Bullens Field.

 

In Augusta, Maine, the 15s will play Connecticut champion Waterford on Tuesday at 3 for a berth in Wednesday's New England title game.