PEPPERELL, Mass. -- The Berkshire Cal Ripken 11U All-Stars split a pair on Sunday to finish pool play in the Western Massachusetts state tournament.

 

Dylan Ely got the call to pitch the opener against Frontier and didn't disappoint, throwing a complete game shutout and giving up one hit with six strikeouts.

 

Ely also helped out on the offensive side as well going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Braxton Crandall was 2-for-3 with a run scored. Blake Cella and Nick Vaber also had strong games for Berkshire, each scoring a run in the process.

 

Berkshire took the shutout win by the score of 8-0.

 

Berkshire faced the undefeated host, Pepperell, in the pool play finale.

 

Charlie Jaferian got the call to take the hill in this battle of two good teams. Pepperell pulled out the victory with some timely base hits beating Berkshire, 4-0, to drop Berkshire to 2-2.

 

Jaferian pitched six strong innings, giving up two earned runs, with one walk and one strikeout. Michael Ward led the way offensively with a double, and although Berkshire could only list four hits, itl hit the ball hard.

 

Brendan Armstrong has been crushing the ball as Berkshires leadoff man but has been the unlucky recipient of some great defense. Against Pepperell Armstrong flashed the leather with two highlight reel defensive plays and a strong play by first baseman Jack Clarke kept the game within reach right up until the final out.

 

Berkshire now moves on to the semifinals where it will once again get the opportunity to play Pepperell with the winner advancing to the state finals.