The Tolland Junior All-Stars rallied for a win against Burlington in Friday night's game. The final score was Tolland 12, Burlington 7.
The boys started off the game with strong offense, scoring three runs in the first inning to snag the lead. Hits from Nick Paasch and Cory Domingos put men on base to come home.
Tolland pitcher Sean Kelly kept Burlington scoreless for their first at-bats. In the second inning, Thomas Slane drove teammate Andrew Clokey home, putting Tolland even farther in the lead. Another single from Domingos gave Tolland five runs.
Burlington scored one run in the bottom of the inning.
In the top of the third, Clokey hit a triple, sending third baseman Ryan Boutot home. A single from Vinny Farrell put Tolland at seven runs.
The inning ended quickly with great plays to first and second base from the Tolland boys before Burlington was able to score.
The next three innings were scoreless for Tolland, while Burlington scored three runs to tie the game at seven. Pitcher Jacob Simon came in to give Tolland fresh defense.
In the top of the seventh, Tolland came back. Paasch hit a double, putting runners on second and third. Farrell drove them home with another double, giving Tolland nine. Slane walked, and a hit for Domingos sent Farrell home. Dan Steiner doubled to drive in the last two runs. The score was 12 for Tolland, 7 for Burlington.
The bottom of the inning was brief. Center fielder Paasch made a great catch for the first out. Two quick plays to first base ended the game.
Tolland fought hard to earn their first win of sectionals play. Their next game is Saturday night at 6 PM in Burlington.
