By Erika Toman
The Falls Church Majors All-Star team has been making waves in their tournament season, showcasing outstanding performances both on the mound and at the plate. With a series of impressive victories, the team finished 4-1 in pool play as they advance into the cross-over tournament bracket, competing to advance to Virginia’s state tournament on the path to Williamsport’s Little League World Series.
The team’s journey began on July 2nd with a resounding 7-1 victory over Reston-Herndon. James Owen ignited the offense early with an RBI single in the first inning, setting the tone for the game. Matthew Miller stole the spotlight with his first career home run, a moment that electrified the team and fans alike. The fifth inning saw an explosion of hits from Will Wood, Luca Pipia, Kellan McCormack, Anthony Verdi, Mikey Baltrym, and Evan Toman, solidifying their lead. Baltrym started as pitcher, impressively striking out two while keeping a clean sheet. McCormack, Owen, and Pipia contributed in relief, collectively striking out five opponents.
Their momentum carried into the next game on July 3rd against Arlington National League, winning 18-2 against one of the toughest teams in the area. The team’s bats remained scorching hot with 13 hits. Baltrym went an impressive 4 for 4 at the plate, while Miller continued his strong performance with three hits. Simon Coho, Pipia, McCormack, Toman, Owen, and Verdi also contributed crucial hits to secure another victory. Owen, Toman, and McCormack shared pitching duties, combining for three strikeouts to keep Arlington at bay.
In their July 5th matchup against McLean American League, Falls Church faced a tougher challenge but emerged victorious with a 7-5 win. They established an early six-run lead in the third inning, highlighted by Miller’s second home run of the postseason. Baltrym and McCormack were pivotal with multiple hits, while Toman, Verdi, and Alderson also contributed to the offensive effort. Defensively, Tig Fatzinger and Toman made notable leaping catches at shortstop and second base, respectively, to stifle McLean’s attempts to rally. Owen and Pipia showcased their pitching prowess, with Pipia striking out five batters while on the mound. Miller’s standout moment came in a high-pressure situation in the bottom of last inning with the bases loaded and two outs, where he struck out the final batter to earn the save.
Their fourth game against McLean National resulted in another strong performance and a 3-0 victory. Baltrym and Pipia combined for key runs early in the game, followed by a solo home run by Owen to seal the victory. Toman’s start on the mound was impeccable, allowing only two hits and no runs throughout his time on the field. Miller provided solid relief, adding two strikeouts to his impressive tournament record. Hayes Vaughan and Alderson each contributed crucial defensive plays by snagging fly balls in the outfield.
The final pool play game against Vienna resulted in a disappointing 1-13 loss, but manager Nick Toman expressed pride in the team’s performance this season, emphasizing their dedication to practices and preparation. “Our players have shown incredible work ethic, development and teamwork,” he commented. “They’re playing inspired baseball and fighting for every opportunity to win.”
