EPHS Baseball Repeats as Mass. Fall Ball Champs

East Providence High School Baseball team players have been readying for their upcoming move to Division 1 play. Players have been competing in various summer travel leagues, American Legion ball and currently in a Massachusetts Fall ball high school tournament. This group of Townies is coached by Brian Rutkowski and Chris Martins and is sponsored by ATC, a sports training facility operated by Townie head baseball coach, Bobby Rodericks. “We’ve done well as out team finished undefeated at 8-0 to take this tournament for two years in a row,” said Martins after the title win in a 2-0 shutout against Attleboro on November 2nd. “Our team has scored 80 runs while only allowing 9 through all 8 games of the season.”

The strengths of the team have been pitching, defense and base running. “During fall we don't see the best pitching, but ours has been at a high level. The focus on batting has shown quality at bats, bunting, plus executing hit and runs. This group is playing well together in a total team effort. They’ve done a great job so far,” said both coaches Martin and Rutkowski.

Dylan Annicelli started the game for the Townies and struck out 11 batters on the day. The lanky Townie pitcher allowed just two hits and no runs in six innings. He showed an impressive fast ball which stymied Attleboro hitters for 6 innings. Kyle Desrosiers pitched the final inning in relief and allowed no hits or walks and had a strikeout. CJ Smith and Oliver Andrews had two hits each and Max Correira and Brian Rutkowski had the Townie RBI’s. EP played a strong defense with no errors.

“It was Pleasure coaching these young men in the 2024 Fall Ball season. Everyone gave a great effort and it showed as we remained undefeated to win the title in consecutive years,” said Chris Martins. “Teamwork was definitely evident with these guys,” added Rutkowski.

Townie head baseball coach Rodericks was happy at the fall ball win. “'I’m glad a good core group of the Townies baseball program got to play together this fall once again. Legendary Seekonk coach Joe DeMelo invited us last year after we both won respective state titles in 2023. It was definitely a good change to play all teams from Mass. and great to see the boys win back-to-back fall seasons,” said the Townie coach. Rodericks was at the title game but sat beyond the outfield fence, watching the game as a spectator. “I’m very appreciative to Chris Martins and Brian Rutkowski for coaching the boys not only this fall but since they started playing baseball. A great team effort by all.”

Here are some prior game summaries during the Townies undefeated Fall Tournament:

The Townies defeated Samurai Academy 12-2, Seekonk 9-4, Mansfield 6-0, Sharon, 11-1, Norton 23-2, Attleboro 10-0 and Samurai Academy 7-0. Some of the Fall highlights:

•In an early game against Samurai, EP turned a 1st inning 1-0 deficit by scoring six 3rd inning runs on two hits to take the lead, 6-1. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Brian Rutkowski that drove in two. EP flipped the game on its head in the top of the third, scoring six runs on two hits to take the lead, 6-1. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Brian Rutkowski that drove in two. Dylan Annicelli stepped on the mound first for EP Townies 2024. The righty surrendered zero hits and one run over three and two-thirds innings, striking out eight and walking two. Owen Richardson pitched two innings of no-run ball for EP in relief. The reliever allowed zero hits, striking out two and walking none. Brian Rutkowski provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led EP with three runs batted in. The Townie catcher went 2-for-3 on the day.

•In the 9-4 win over Seekonk, EP scored early when Brian Rutkowski drew a walk, scoring one run, and Max Correira singled, scoring two runs. EP scored five runs on two hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. An error scored one run, JJ Renaud drew a walk and scored one run, and Ben Hallene doubled, scoring three runs. Dylan Annicelli pitched first for EP giving up two hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out two and walking two. Timmy Robitaile pitched four innings in relief striking out 7. Lefty Hallene, the number eight hitter for EP, led the way with three runs batted in. The first baseman went 1-for-2 on the day. Oliver Andrews went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead EP in hits. EP ran wild on the base paths, collecting six stolen bases for the game. The Townies were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error.

•In the 7-0 win over Samurai, EP had two pitchers combining to throw the shutout. Kyle Desrosiers and Ben Hallene each pitched well for EP. The Townies scored four runs in the fifth inning. Desrosiers started for EP and allowed one hit and zero runs over four innings, striking out seven and walking one. Hallene pitched five innings in relief, giving up three hits and zero runs while striking out 12 and walking just two. Jamison Sydney and Max Correira each drove in one run for EP and JJ Renaud led the Townies with two key hits. Oliver Andrews and Brian Rutkowski each stole multiple bases for EP as the team had 10 stolen bases for the game.

Roster: Players (in order of jersey numbers): JJ Renaud, Chris Charbonneau, Gavin Palumbo, Owen Richardson, Nolan Lorenz, CJ Smith, Ben Hallene, Brian Rutkowski, Max Correira, Aidan Martins, Kyle Desrosiers, Jamison Sydney, Oliver Andrews, Dylan Annicelli, Timmy Robitaile. Brian Rutkowski, Chris Martins Coaches.

(This article included updates as provided by GameChanger Media, Inc. along with ReporterToday. Photos by Andrea Annicelli)