SALEM, Mass. -- Despite the scorching 90-plus degree temperatures, the Pittsfield National and Mansfield 8-10 Year Old All-Star teams played their hearts out on Saturday at O’Grady Field.

 

Mansfield came out on top with a 3-1 win, advancing to Sunday's state championship game.

 

"It’s sad that our adventure has come to an end, but I couldn’t be more proud of the teamwork and heart these 12 boys showed in the month and a half we had them together," Pittsfield Nats coach Mark Socie said.

 

Mansfield struck early scoring a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the first inning.

 

Gio Scarpellini of Mansfield and Connor Paronto of Pittsfield battled from the mound pitch for pitch.

 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Mansfield struck again scoring one run following a walk when Logan Theroux eventually came in to score on a wild pitch.

 

Pittsfield got on the board in the fifth when Chase O’Donnell scored following Cade Demary reaching on an error.

 

Mansfield completed the 3-1 victory by stranding a pair of Pittsfield runners in scoring position as the game ended.

 

Cade Demary, Evan Roccabruna, and Jason Fields each had hits for the Nationals.

 

Paronto and Roccabruna combined to give up only one hit in the state semifinal battle.

 

“I want to thank my wife because I know I am not easy to deal with especially when we are practicing everyday and the planning and ideas that I would bounce off her,” Socie said. “My coaching staff Chad Paronto and Bryan Maloy, The fans who showed so much support.  The parents, who had their kids to practice every day for the last month,  decorated cars and signs and made trip for their kids and the team.

 

“The calls and advice I received both from the National Division and and American Division showed that at the end of the day city rivals are just true fans of Pittsfield baseball and want the best for the kids and the League.”