Windham Little League AAA championship game features strong teams playing to best of abilities

By Matt Pascarella

A season of learning and improvements came down to one winner-take-all championship game for Windham Little League’s AAA Division teams when Superior Plus Propane and Just for Kids Dentistry met at Ciccarone Field at Lowell Farm in Windham on Monday, June 19. Superior Plus Propane claimed the title by winning, 15-7.

Just For Dentistry's Alex McGonagle keeps his focus on the 
ball before hitting it into the outfield during the Windham
Little League AAA Division championship game against
Superior Plus Propane at Ciccarone Field at Lowell Farm
in Windham on Monday, June 19.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“Good momentum, but more importantly, probably the most respectful group of kids I’ve ever coached,” said Superior Plus Propane coach Dave Moore. “I feel we already won before we took the field. It was a culmination of the whole season – three or four kids on the team had never played baseball, fast forward to the end and they are putting the ball in play and having fun and that’s the reward for coaching.”

Moore said everyone grasping that they are part of a team, even though there is only one batter at the plate was a positive during the game and the team was loud in the dugout. He said they are a well-behaved group of kids with a lot of respect for each other and the coaches. And they had some older kids who helped out the younger kids which was awesome to see.

In the first inning, Superior Plus Propane fourth grader Blake Hanson hit a triple. Third grader Quincy Stubbert walked, then Hanson stole home. Third grader Tanner Pulkkinen singled on a pop fly and Stubbert scored. Pulkkinen scored later.

When it was Just for Kids Dentistry’s time at the plate, fourth grader Dustin Lachtara singled, then fourth grader Preston McLean walked. Third grader Alex McGonagle singled and Lachtara and McLean scored.

In the second inning, third grader Jacoby Penney of Superior Plus Propane walked, stole his way around the bases and scored. Third grader Asher Turner and second grader Sammy Stubbert both walked. Hanson was hit by a pitch loading the bases. Quincy Stubbert walked, and Turner scored.

Third grader and Just For Kids Dentistry player Caleb Underhill walked in the second inning. Third grader Landon Franzoni singled and Underhill scored. Second grader Callen Call singled, and fourth grader Hunter Lewis walked.

Superior Plus Propane led 5-3 after two innings.

In the fourth inning, Superior Plus Propane put several more runs on the scoreboard. Fourth grader Liam Wood was hit by a pitch, Turner and Sammy Stubbert each walked, loading the bases. Hanson walked and Wood scored. Turner stole home. Third grader Charlie Sanicola singled and Sammy Stubbert scored. Then, Hanson stole home. After a walk, third grader Byron Dansereau doubled, and more runs came in.

Defense on both teams was strong as Just for Kids Dentistry ended innings with their opponent’s baserunners still on base and Superior Plus Propane stopped runners before they reached their base.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Lachtara walked and so did Just for Kids Dentistry first grader Benson Duffy. Lachtara scored and McLean doubled, then McLean stole home.

“I just wanted my kids to come out here and have fun today,” said Just for Kids Dentistry coach Patrick McGonagle. “They worked hard all season long developing and getting better every single day and I am proud beyond belief for them.”

Coach McGonagle said the team got a lot of infield plays correctly – something they’d been working on during practices. Communication and motivation was another thing that he saw the team do really well with during the game.

Afterward each team picked the Most Valuable Players for the other team. Charlie Sanicola and Alex McGonagle were chosen and received medals.

Sanicola said it felt great to get the win, but he couldn’t do it without his teammates. He said pitching was great and hitting the ball was smooth and it felt great to be chosen as MVP and he was happy to be selected. He’s proud of his team.

“I’m not going to lie, those were some tough hitters,” said Alex McGonagle. “You just have to push through it and have confidence in each other and try to hit as best we can.”

McGonagle was surprised and excited to be chosen as MVP. He said said hitting and defense went well; he gave thanks and props to his teammates. McGonagle was pleased with how his team played during this game and throughout the playoffs.

Both teams have come a long way in a short amount of time. <