New Fairfield Claims First CIAC Class M Baseball Title
New Fairfield's baseball team etched a landmark achievement on Saturday, capturing its first CIAC Class M championship with a 5-1 victory over Ansonia at Palmer Field. The win, secured through a blend of dominant pitching and timely hitting, marked a watershed moment for the program and its community.
Andrew Dossena anchored the triumph both on the mound and at the plate. The senior right-hander earned the win while delivering an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning that put New Fairfield on the board early.
Ansonia's Branden Macdougall was a force early, striking out 12 batters but walking three and surrendering a run in the opening frame. His effort kept the Rebels competitive before he was removed in the sixth.
The turning point arrived in the sixth inning when New Fairfield erupted for four runs, taking complete control of the game. Anthony Debartolomeo’s two‑run double to right field capped the rally, while Jake Pardalis contributed two hits throughout the contest.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Defensively, Spencer Makarewicz made a pivotal catch in the fourth inning that denied Ansonia a chance to tie the score, preserving the lead and shifting momentum.
Coach Joe Garbowski, reflecting on the victory, emphasized how the win resonated beyond the diamond, uniting the town and signaling the program’s emergence on the state stage.
The historic triumph was celebrated by players, families, and alumni alike, with many noting the significance of ending a long championship drought. The team’s depth was evident as additional contributors such as Rocco Criscuolo, Cooper Benoit, Lawrence Roccamo, Brandon Ellison, Javier Figueroa, and Josiah Saladyga all played key roles.
With the championship secured, New Fairfield looks ahead to the next season, aiming to build on this momentum and continue its ascent in Connecticut high school baseball.