By John Orrell, Landmark correspondent
and Kristen B. Payson, editor
HOLDEN — The Holden Little League 10-year-old all-star team earned the title of Division champion, and ended their season justifiably proud of their achievement.
The team played a masterful championship game to capture the title, facing Jesse Burkett (Worcester) on July 11. Holden mercied Burkett, 10-0, in just four innings.
Starting pitcher was Andrew Surette, with Colin Walsh in relief in the last inning.
Holden totaled 11 hits in the four at-bats, with doubles by Devin Sandova and Brennan Ford.
Stolen bases were plentiful in that game as well, totaling four with one each by Cam Crea, Walsh, Cole Pare and Connor Armstrong.
Holden’s 2023 playoff season ended against host Westfield on July 18 in sectional play. The loss followed a heartbreaking matchup 24 hours prior in which Westfield edged Holden, 9-7, at CRA Field.
In their home matchup, leadoff hitter Sandova opened things up by drawing a base-on-balls that was followed by an Andrew Gull bunt single and an Andrew Surette base hit that accounted for a pair of runs. In the second inning, Brendan Michaud singled and scored on a Westfield fielding error and a wild pitch that evened the score at 3-3.
Starting pitcher Walsh managed to keep things close until the sixth and final frame when Holden, trailing by 3 runs, mounted an uprising and nearly pulled off the come-from-behind victory. Leading the rally was Walsh becoming a base runner on a hit-by-pitch, followed by singles off the bats of Surette (2-for-3 on the night) and Jacen Morales to draw within two runs before Westfield called on their closer to quell the Holden attack.
“Our team played as a team as much as we could, and we tried our best. Being in sectionals feels like a once in a lifetime,” said Walsh, injecting a dose of good sportsmanship.
“I’m disappointed, but I think we can come back tomorrow, play our A-game and win it,” added Michaud, who opened the game at third base before taking the mound for the final innings.
“My defense helps me feel supported so when I give up hits, they’ve got my back so they can help me. I get nervous sometimes, but I try to take deep breaths and just calm down.”
Members of the 2023 Holden Little League 10-year-old all-star team: Devin Sandova, Andrew Gull, Cole Pare, Colin Walsh, Andrew Surette, Jacen Morales, Connor Armstrong, Brendan Michaud, Mike Bristol, Cam Crea, Mac Shliapa and Brennan Ford. Team manager is Matt Gull, assisted by Kyle Michaud and Jay Morales.
Congratulations from The Landmark on a superb season. We’ll look for our champs next season!
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story included photos of the incorrect Holden all-star team. We apologize for the error.
