Small wonder: MVP
Cates powers South
by Bryan Cole, Newport Gulls
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Box Score and Play by Play
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North Adams shortstop Chris Cates was
named All-Star MVP for his role in leading the Southern Division All-Stars
past the Northern Division All-Stars, 7-2, in front of 2,856 fans from all
over New England at Cardines Field in Newport, R.I.
“It’s a great honor,” Cates said. “I was just happy to be here, and to get
the MVP, you can’t describe in words how happy I am.”
The Southerners won their second consecutive NECBL All-Star Game, jumping
out to a five-run lead early and then relying on a plethora of arms to shut
down the North’s offense.
Cates, a 5’4” sophomore from the University of Louisville, went 2-for-3 with
an RBI in the five innings he played and contributed solid defense for his
side.
“I had a clue I might win it, but a couple other guys had some good games
too so I wasn’t sure,” he said. “But I wasn’t going to worry about it. We
won the game, I had a good game and I had an enjoyable All-Star weekend.”
The Southern Division jumped on the board first, as Manchester’s Ryan Davis
hit a single to drive home Newport’s Shawn McGill, who had earlier reached
on a double. After Cates drove Davis home in the fifth to make it a 2-0
game, the Southern Division put together a three-run sixth inning to give
themselves some breathing room. Danbury catcher and local product John
Mollicone – a native of Cranston, R.I. – drove in two runs with a single,
and Pittsfield outfielder Brian Kaufman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
“I thought we played together really well,” Cates said. “Everybody jelled
pretty well together. It’s a good group of guys to play with and you can’t
ask for anything better than that.”
Meanwhile, the Northern Division All-Stars could not get on the board until
the final inning. In all, the Northerners stranded six runners in scoring
position.
In the final frame, Holyoke outfielder DJ Burns greeted Danbury reliever
Frank Hassan with a first-pitch double. Sanford designated hitter Ryan Reid
– who also pitched a perfect inning – hit a home run into the trees over the
right field fence to cut the lead to 5-2.
Hassan quickly got back into hot water, hitting two batters and allowing a
single to Keene’s Ryan Quintal to load the bases. But Hassan struck out
three batters to retire the side and ensure the victory.
The game was not over, however, as the teams played the home half of the
ninth even though the South had the lead. Gulls outfielder Cyle Hankerd took
advantage of the extra at-bat, hitting a towering two-run home run onto the
playground beyond left field.
Hankerd’s home run came off Keene reliever Josh Fields. During the regular
season, Fields had allowed just one run in over 21 innings pitched, but he
fell behind Hankerd 2-0. Now in a fastball count, Fields delivered a 94-mph
pitch over the plate, which Hankerd turned on.
“I was just looking for the 2-0 fastball and I got it,” Hankerd said.
“Anything else and I would’ve looked like a fool.”
Earlier in the day, Silkworms’ designated hitter John Fitzpatrick won the
home run derby contest, sending nine homers out of the park in three rounds
of competition.
“I got in a real good groove in the first round and just kind of rode that
the rest of the way,” Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick started the competition in impressive fashion, hitting five
homers in the first round en route to the victory over hometown favorite
Cyle Hankerd, but he said the first round wore him down.
“I was exhausted [after the first round], and after every single round it
got worse,” Fitzpatrick said. “The other guys were complaining about it
too.”
Hankerd, who collected seven homers, advanced to the finals after beating
Gulls teammate Zach Clem in a playoff after the second round.
“That was very, very tiring,” Hankerd said. “It was a good time, though, and
it was good fun for the fans, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Danbury’s Mike Tarsi was credited with the win, and Keene’s Rob Brant – who
gave up the first run of the game – was charged with the loss.
