MILFORD — Franklin Post 75 completed a perfect run through the Massachusetts American Legion Baseball State Tournament on Thursday, defeating host Milford Post 59 3-2 at Fino Field to capture the state championship.
The championship game was a tightly contested rematch of the tournament opener, which Franklin also won by a single run.
Milford struck first with a run in the top of the first inning, but Franklin answered with two runs in the bottom of the second to take its first lead of the afternoon. The score remained 2-1 until the seventh inning, when Milford tied the game with a run in the top half of the frame.
In the bottom of the 8th inning, Gavin Heneghan led things off with a double to put him self in scoring position. Sean Kryzak would groundout but advance Heneghan to third base.
In a jam, Milford intentionally walked the next two batters to open the double play possibility or a force out at home plate. With Owen Miller at the plate and the bases loaded, the first pitch hit Miller on the arm to bring in the state championship winning run.
Despite being outhit 8-4, Franklin made the most of its opportunities. Joe Goguen and Patrick Luizzi each drove in a run, while Gavin Heneghan, Zach Winer and Goguen all scored for Post 75.
On the mound, Colin Mont turned in a strong start, allowing two runs on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out three. After Milford threatened in the seventh, Aidan Clark came on in relief and recorded the final four outs to earn the victory.
Milford received multi-hit performances from Matt Pedroli, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Nick Pedroli, Joey McGee, Jackson Fournier, Gavin Metcalf, Sam Schoenberg and Ben Maiorano each added a hit. Josh Giancola struck out seven over six innings before Jackson Fournier pitched the final 1 1/3 innings.
Franklin finishes the state tournament undefeated at 5-0, defeating Milford twice along with victories over Sandwich and Hyde Park to claim the Massachusetts title. Mont earned tournament MVP honors for his efforts in the two games he started on the mound for Franklin.
With the victory, Franklin improved to 22-0 this season and earned a berth in the American Legion Northeast Regional Tournament, which will be held Aug. 5-9 at Fitton Field in Worcester.
Franklin will join the state champions from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire along with host Shrewsbury Post 397, in the eight-team regional tournament.
The focus now shifts to Worcester, where Franklin will represent Massachusetts at the Northeast Regional Tournament beginning Aug. 5. The regional champion will advance to the American Legion World Series.
