Seekonk's baseball squad captured the Div. 4 state championship on Saturday, edging Hamilton-Wenham 4-3 in a game that swung in the final inning. The victory capped a season defined by grit and camaraderie, drawing cheers from a packed stands that stretched across the town's historic ballpark.
The rally that sealed the title
The decisive moment arrived in the seventh inning when Brayden McBride stepped up to the plate and launched a clutch double that drove in the winning runs. From first base, teammate Avian DaRosa kept the energy high, repeatedly chanting "believe" to fire up McBride and the entire dugout. The crowd erupted as the ball landed just beyond the outfield fence, turning a tense tie into a lead that would hold.
Coach Joe Demelo, who has guided the team through a grueling schedule, praised the squad's never‑give‑up attitude, noting that "this group never stopped fighting, even when the odds were stacked against them." Meanwhile, ace pitcher Cole Arruda delivered a steady performance on the mound, limiting Hamilton-Wenham to just three runs over six innings and preserving the momentum for the late rally.
Hamilton-Wenham, led by standouts Cormac Heney and Owen Waddell, threatened a comeback in the final frames, but a timely double‑play sparked by a pop‑up on a squeeze bunt sealed the victory. The play, executed with precision, turned a potential rally into a final out, cementing Seekonk's triumph.
The win marks Seekonk's third title in four years, underscoring a dynasty built on resilience, belief and community support that resonates throughout Massachusetts baseball circles. Fans and alumni alike celebrated the achievement, heralding a new chapter for a program that continues to inspire the next generation of players.