Redemption: RI Beats Massachusetts For Regional Title, LLWS Berth

BRISTOL, CT — Redemption is sweet. It's even sweeter when it earns you a trip to the Little League World Series. Such was the case for Rhode Island on Sunday. The boys from Coventry defeated a tough Massachusetts team 3-2 on Sunday to win the Little League Baseball New England Regional championship. Rhode Island now moves on to the Little League World Series and will play the Southwest regional champion, Texas East, on Aug. 16.

Coventry (4-1), who previously lost to the Pittsfield American Little League team (3-1), limited Massachusetts to just four hits in the title game. It was a brilliant performance and a stark difference from the last matchup between the two powerhouses, which the Pittsfield American Little League all stars thoroughly dominated.

On Sunday, pitching ruled the day. Rhode Island's Logan Lama, who earned the win, confounded Massachusetts's bats, allowing just two runs — both earned — on three hits over 4.2 innings. He also issued five free passes. The offense was powered by — who else — Jake Mather, who hit a solo home run and and scored two runs on three hits.

Coventry came into the game hot after rallying back Friday to beat New Hampshire 6-5 in the semi-final.

Massachusetts struggled to get anything going offensively. Just four players, Jake Duquette, Evan Blake, Cam Sime and Roshan Warriar, were able to get hits on the day. All were singles. Both teams saw missed chances, with each leaving six runners stranded on base.

Evan Blake delivered a solid five innings of work on the mound to keep Pittsfield within striking distance. He allowed three runs — all earned — on five hits and took the loss. He also struck out eight batters.

Rhode Island

Tyler Simon

Tommy Turner

Jake Mather

Logan Lama

Kody Fretts

Nolan LaPerche

Will Owens

Paulie Manfredo

Anthony Colucci

Noah McParlin

Sammy Fuentes

Dylan Mourao

Aiden Wilkins

Massachusetts

Nick Brindle

Ben Jacob

Jake Duquette

Evan Blake

Antonio Scalise

Tommy Mullin

Cam Zerbato

Cam Sime

Owen Salvatore

Roshan Warriar

Walker Abdallah

Ben Cornish

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