By Erika Toman
The Falls Church Kiwanis Little League All-Stars program has concluded another thrilling season, marked by impressive performances and unforgettable moments on the diamond. The Majors team placed runner’s up out of the 12 teams participating in VA’s District 4 which is widely considered to be the most talented in the state. The team showcased grit and dedication, finishing with a commendable record of 5-2 in the tournament. Their six week journey together was marked by memorable victories, hard-fought battles and a lot of fun.
After clinching a spot in the single elimination tournament bracket, Falls Church faced off against tough opponents. Last Thursday saw a nail-biting 7-5 triumph over Reston-Herndon Little League. James Owen set the tone for Falls Church in the second inning, driving in a key run with a single. The game remained tight until the top of the fifth inning, when Falls Church mounted a comeback. Simon Coho walked, and was able to advance on Tig Fatzinger’s single to tie the score. The pivotal moment came in the top of the sixth inning when Mikey Baltrym delivered a clutch double, bringing in the go-ahead run. Owen delivered another RBI on a fielder’s choice, solidifying Falls Church’s lead and helping the team advance to the District 4 Championship.
On the defensive side, Luca Pipia showcased his pitching expertise, striking out seven batters and allowing only five hits over 5 1/3 innings. Kellan McCormack stepped in to close the game, efficiently handling the final two outs to seal the victory for Falls Church. Offensively, Owen and Pipia led the charge with two hits apiece, while contributions from Matthew Miller, Baltrym, Coho, and Fatzinger added crucial runs and support.
In the Championship game against rival Vienna National League, held last Friday, the team’s resilience was further evident with an extremely hard fought 3-4 loss. Vienna took an early 3-0 lead, but Falls Church rallied behind Will Wood’s hard hit ball down the first base foul line, driving in two runs.
McCormack was hot at the plate with two hits, one being a line drive triple to right field. Hayes Vaughan and Pipia also got on the board with hits.
On the mound, Evan Toman delivered an exceptional performance. His mix of off-speed pitches and strong command limited an exceptionally strong Vienna team to just five hits throughout the game. In the outfield, Anthony Verdi and Miller both delivered spectacular diving catches to keep the game in check.
“Our team played really well and I’m so happy to have played on a team with these coaches,” said Ryan Alderson, one of the team’s leaders. Reflecting on the season, Coach Nick Toman echoed Alderson’s sentiment and emphasized the team’s growth and resilience. “These young men have shown tremendous development and personal growth through this season,” he remarked. “They learned to play as a team in the truest sense.”
This marks the second year in a row the Falls Church Majors team has made it to the District Finals. Each of the graduating boys has plans to continue their baseball careers after Little League and have sights on their high school baseball teams in the future. The Falls Church All-Star teams wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to the fans whose unwavering support has been a constant throughout the season. Your cheers from the stands and messages of encouragement have meant the world to them. Together, let’s celebrate a season of growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments in Falls Church baseball history.
