Sports
Madison Senior LL Falls Just Shy of State Title
Pitching and offense shine during great season on the way to the New Jersey final.
The Madison Little League Senior Division baseball team (15-16 year olds) finished second in the state tournament on Monday in Toms River East.
After moving on as the District 1 champions, Madison moved into the State Section 1 tournament to determine one of the top four teams in New Jersey. Madison had the privilege of hosting this year's tournament, which consisted of teams from Begenfield, Ringwood, as well as Madison. After receiving a bye for the first round, Madison faced Ringwood in its first game. It was a pitchers' duel, with Connor Allen pitching a one-hitter until being relieved by Michael Wallace, who closed out the 3-0 Madison victory.
Madison then faced Ringwood again in the championship game on July 24, defeating the squad by a score of 12-3. Connor Higgins pitched a great first four innings, then was relieved by Michael Wallace, Jake Meister and Jamie Hunter, who each pitched one inning to close out the game. The hitting highlight came from Michael Wulff, who went 4-for-4 with two doubles, two singles, and seven RBIs.
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Madison then headed down to the host site of the tournament, Toms River East, to play for the state title. The competition was very talented, consisting of Jackie Robinson (Jersey City), Holbrook (Jackson), who went to the Little League Junior Division World Series in 2009, and South Vineland, who also made it to the Senior Division World Series in 2009.
On July 30, Madison faced Holbrook in a night game. Madison got off to a rough start, losing the game by a score of 9-6 and dropped into the losers bracket.
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The next day Madison faced a tough Jackie Robinson team for its first elimination game. Madison was not ready to go home and crushed Jackie Robinson by a score of 18-8.
Being able to move on in the championship quest, Madison faced Holbrook, which had been defeated by South Vineland, on Sunday. This time Madison stepped up and defeated Holbrook in an exciting game that resulted in a 7-3 Madison victory, allowing it to face South Vineland in the final game on Monday to try for the State Championship.
The wear of playing every day of the tournament became evident, and after a tough game, Madison was defeated 8-4 in the final game, finishing second in the state.
