Winners of the 2016 Somerville Babe Ruth Baseball Championship, Highlanders Red.

By Bob Schofield

Justin Schofield pitched a five-hitter with 6 strikeouts as Highlanders Red edged Highlanders Green 10-5 in the 2016 Somerville Babe Ruth Baseball Championship at Trum Field on Friday, June 17.

After 8 runs being scored in the first inning between the two teams the game turned into a classic well-played defensive game. Carlos Fernandez made an outstanding diving catch, shortstop to first base play, to get Jason Cassidy of the Highlanders Green out at first base in the 2nd inning. Highlanders Green Nolan Roche demanded respect behind the plate and made it known with a great throw down to third base to put out Dylan Zraket of the Highlanders Red.

Rookie thirteen year old Cameron Butler of the Highlanders Green enters the game in the 4th inning and silences the bats for Highlanders Red; getting 8 out of the last 10 batters out with one strikeout. No additional runs would be scored after the 3rd inning.

A few timely hits in the bottom of the 7th inning would not be enough to come back from a 6 run deficit. One additional run would be scored in the 7th.

Coach Bryan Camara and Coach Gary Meskell did a great job leading the Highlanders Green to the championship series, in additional to having a great season. A tip of the hat to the Highlanders Green team; great players that left nothing on the field with regards to hard play. Everyone looks forward to seeing these players next season and for some an exciting career in SHS Baseball and Babe Ruth Senior Baseball in 2017.

“Somerville Red defined team baseball all year long. It was shown throughout the playoffs and especially in the championship. It made our jobs as coaches easier. Justin Schofield controlled everything by pitching a complete game win. He got help with great defense by Carlos Fernandez. He made plays I’ve never seen before. With clutch hitting by Dylan Zraket and Matt Portle, we were successful in completing an amazing season at a record of 14-2. This team really pushed one another to be better every practice and game. We couldn’t be more proud of them.” – Coach Matt O’Donnell and Coach Patrick Melo, Highlanders Red.