WASHINGTON COUNTY ALL STARS PULL AWAY LATE TO DEFEAT HEMPSTEAD IN MINOR BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

On Wednesday, the Washington County Little League All-Stars battled the Hempstead All-Stars in a tightly contested game that saw multiple lead changes before Washington County pulled away in the final inning to secure a 7–4 win.

Washington County struck first in the top of the first inning when leadoff hitter Cam Wheaton scored on an error. Hempstead answered quickly, plating two runs in the bottom half to take a brief lead.

After a quiet second inning, Washington County regained control in the third. Another error allowed Wheaton to cross the plate, followed by a clutch 2-RBI single from Connor Marak that brought home Aiden Mathis and Walker Ebert, giving Washington County a 4–2 advantage.

But Hempstead wasn’t done. Wade Stevens ripped a 2-run single down the left field line to even the score at 4–4.

Both defenses tightened up in the fourth and fifth innings, holding each other scoreless and setting up a decisive sixth frame.

In the top of the sixth, Mason Ehlert delivered a go-ahead RBI single to make it 5–4. Moments later, a wild pickoff attempt at third turned into a costly error, as the throw struck the runner and rolled to the dugout, allowing two more runs to score.

In the bottom half, Washington County’s defense stepped up once again. First baseman Walker Ebert turned a solo double play to bring his team within one out of victory. Then, with the game on the line, closing pitcher Blayne Baker sealed the win with a strikeout, sparking a roar from the Washington County crowd.