It's been a memorable and exciting run for the Auburn 10- and 11-year-old Little League All-Stars. The team has rode hot pitching and stellar defense to a berth in the state championship series and a shot at the first state title for Auburn since 1983.
But the magic finally ran out on Tuesday, as Auburn was defeated by Colonie, the defending state champ, 13-3 in the Bronx.
Colonie, which beat Auburn 2-0 on Saturday, took advantage of two Auburn errors, scoring four runs in the first two innings.
“The whole tournament we played errorless ball,” Auburn coach Mike Charles said. “I think it finally caught up with us. We were tired.”
Colonie blew the game open with a seven-run third inning.
Mike Charles led Auburn with two hits, but the offense struggled against a Colonie pitcher that threw nearly 75 percent curveballs.
“We don't teach the kids to throw or hit curveballs,” coach Charles said. “We're not used to it and we only had a couple days to prepare.”
Auburn scored one run in the third and two in the fourth.
Matt Netti led off the third with a single and later scored on a Jack Burgmaster sacrifice fly.
In the fourth, Mike Charles led off with a single and Nick Petrosino followed with a walk.
Max Pinchak then delivered an RBI single and Noah Christiantelli drove Petrosino home with an RBI fielder's choice.
“I've played baseball my whole life,” coach Charles said. “I played in the College World Series. ... and this is the most memorable experience I've ever had.”
Colonie 13
Auburn 3
Colonie, which beat Auburn 2-0 on Saturday, took advantage of two Auburn errors, scoring four runs in the first two innings.
“The whole tournament we played errorless ball,” Auburn coach Mike Charles said. “I think it finally caught up with us. We were tired.”
Colonie blew the game open with a seven-run third inning.
Mike Charles led Auburn with two hits, but the offense struggled against a Colonie pitcher that threw nearly 75 percent curveballs.
“We don't teach the kids to throw or hit curveballs,” coach Charles said. “We're not used to it and we only had a couple days to prepare.”
Auburn scored one run in the third and two in the fourth.
Matt Netti led off the third with a single and later scored on a Jack Burgmaster sacrifice fly.
In the fourth, Mike Charles led off with a single and Nick Petrosino followed with a walk.
Max Pinchak then delivered an RBI single and Noah Christiantelli drove Petrosino home with an RBI fielder's choice.
“I've played baseball my whole life,” coach Charles said. “I played in the College World Series. ... and this is the most memorable experience I've ever had.”
Colonie 13
Auburn 3
