Port Washington’s 12‑and‑under Little League squad opened its state tournament run with a commanding 11‑0 victory over New Hartford on Sunday, a game that ended after four innings under the 10‑run rule.
Spitalnik’s bat lights the way
Ethan Spitalnik launched a three‑run homer that cleared the bases, adding two more runs of his own and driving in three RBIs. His effort helped the Port Washington offense explode for double‑digit runs.
On the mound, Port Washington’s pitchers limited New Hartford to just two hits, striking out four batters while cruising through four innings before the game was called.
Manager Dave Gabriel praised the combination of solid pitching and disciplined defense that made the win possible.
A narrow defeat for the champions
Reigning state champion St. James/Smithtown Little League fell 1‑0 to Twin Town in a tightly contested defensive battle, the only run crossing the plate in the fifth inning on a grounder to first base.
Andrew Barbato, Grayson Dick and Cayden Bosinius combined for six strikeouts and allowed only four hits, but the solitary run proved enough for Twin Town.
St. James/Smithtown will meet Mid Island at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cesca Field, with manager Tom Viggiani emphasizing the need for aggressive at‑bats and tighter pitching moving forward.
Both teams are scheduled to play again on Sunday, with Port Washington facing Maine‑Endwell at 4 p.m. at the same venue.