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Updated June 22, 2024 11:10PM

Coco’s Walkoff Hit Propels Hot Dog Ranch to PIttsfield Little League Title

By Leland BarnesiBerkshires.com Sports
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Carmelo Coco drove in the winning run in the bottom of the sixth as Hot Dog Ranch rallied from behind for the walkoff win in the championship game of the Pittsfield Little League on Friday.
 
Sawyer Layne struck out eight hitters in three innings on the mound and hit a game-tying homer to lead off the sixth as Hot Dog Ranch took a 4-3 win over East Side Cafe to decide the first title of the newly unified Pittsfield LL.
 
East Side Cafe took a lead early at Clapp Park when Hector Reyes drove in a pair of runs with a shot to center field to make it 2-0.
 
Hot Dog Ranch threatened in the bottom of the frame with a walk and a double, but East Side's Mike Ressler (eight strikeouts) ended the threat with back-to-back Ks.
 
In the second, Layne took away two hits from East Side Cafe with back-to-back fielding plays, and his offense rewarded him right away.
 
Troy Choquette drove in a pair of runs to tie the game after three.
 
In the fourth, Choquette moved to the mound with the bases loaded and got out of the jam to keep it a 2-2 game.
 
In the sixth, East Side Cafe's Jeremiah Bullett hit a deep drive to left field for a ground rule double. And Mateo Herrera drove him home with a single to give his team a 3-2 lead.
 
Hot Dog Ranch ended the inning with a defensive gem, getting a runner hung up on the base paths before throwing home for the final out, keeping it a one-run game and setting the stage for the sixth-inning heroics.
 
Layne hit a 3-2 pitch over the fence to tie the game, 3-3. Hot Dog Ranch then got a pair of singles and a walk ahead of Coco, who ended the game with his walkoff hit.
 
After the game, Hot Dog Ranch coach Matt Mazzeo had a message for his 12-year-olds moving on after this season.
 
"Good luck in Babe Ruth, guys," Mazzeo said. "You're all All-Stars."
 
An earlier version of this story misidentified the player with the game-winning hit. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Letter: Mitts Will Work for the People

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

It is a pleasure to endorse Marybeth Mitts as the next representative to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the Third Berkshire District.

As an independent candidate with an impressive public service background, I believe she will truly commit herself to working "For The People" and be responsive to the very important needs of all the constituents in our district.

Her opponent may have multiple endorsements; however, many are entrenched politicians that one cannot even get through to or receive any response from when problems that need to be addressed are brought to their attention. I know this from personal experience in highly important areas, i.e., internet access, severe housing problems and abuse of elderly and disabled individuals, of which I am one.

I think it is crucial for voters to vote for the person and what they stand for and the work they have done leading to their becoming a candidate.

I hope you will join me (as I have already done) and vote for Marybeth Mitts.

Rachel I. Branch
Dalton, Mass.

 

 

 

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