The dream run for the 10U Riverside boys baseball team finally came to a close with a 19-5 loss to Hinsdale in the sectional championship game last week. Despite a disappointing loss to complete their season, Riverside played incredibly well in the postseason, moving within one win of a state tournament appearance.
Against host Hinsdale in the sectional championship game at Pierce Park, Riverside led 3-1 after the first inning and 5-3 at end of the second inning. Miles Casey had a run-scoring single and Brian Twomey added a two-run single in the first inning. In the second inning, Casey had an RBI groundout and Twomety contributed a run-scoring single.
Hinsdale scored 16 unanswered runs, including 10 in the third inning, to claim the sectional title in convincing fashion. Riverside set up the winner-take-all scenario by defeating Hinsdale 7-0 in an earlier meeting.
Facing two of the top 10-year-old pitchers in the state from Hinsdale, Casey turned in an incredible 5-for-7 hitting performance highlighted by double. Brady Vaia also hit the ball well with a 2-for-2 effort.
“It was an unbelievable run and a great time,” Riverside coach Mike Murphy said. “We played 12 Little League tournament games and faced elimination eight times during the district and sectional Tournaments. Surviving seven of the eight games speaks to our players’ work ethic. We had practices almost every day since the team was announced [June 15]. Witnessing that hard work pay off was priceless.”
The team also benefitted from huge crowd support from Riverside residents
“The fan support was inspiring,” Murphy said. “The boys couldn’t believe the roars from the crowd in both the district championship and the sectional championship games. I believe the unofficial count was 250 fans supporting Riverside in the final game. Some believe we outnumbered Hinsdale 3-1 on their home field. The boys kept talking about seeing people cheer for them they have never seen before. I believe that helped them play the best they could play.”
