East Providence tops La Salle 1-0. D1 State Finals Start June 4th at R.I.C.

EP vs. Hendricken on Thursday

Before a packed stadium at East Providence High School on Sunday afternoon, the Townies vaulted themselves into the Rhode Island D1 state championship series by shutting out La Salle 1-0. There wasn’t a seat to be had as people surrounded the ballfield with many watching from the sidewalk on Pawtucket Avenue.

Ben “Lefty” Hallene continued his mastery of opposing hitters by once again pitching an impressive complete game shutout. Hallene tossed a two-hitter in a well-played game. JJ Renaud’s lone 1st inning RBI for the Townies was all Hallene and the EP defense needed as they held La Salle scoreless for the rest of the game.

Although neither team mounted a strong hitting game, Townie catcher Jamison Sydney led both teams with two hits. Hallene got the Rams in order on a strikeout and two fly ball outs in the top of the first inning.

In the bottom of the first, centerfielder Aidan Martins led off with a single to center. Gavin Palombo walked and after a strikeout, Sydney singled to right moving Martins to 3rd and Palombo to 2nd. JJ Renaud then lined a drive to left which was caught but deep enough to knock in Martins for what would be the game’s only run.

In a tightly pitched game, with good defense on both sides, the game would end with no more scoring. Hallene’s two hit shutout and great errorless defense along with Renaud’s RBI drive would be enough to send the dejected La Salle Rams and fans home for the season.

Aidan Martins played another superb game in centerfield as he ranged far and wide to catch a few deep fly balls as well as Max Correiro in right field and the entire Townie defense.

Others getting hits for East Providence were Aidan Martins, Sydney (2) and Max Pawlik. After a quick celebratory meal after the game, many Townie players went to see the outcome of the Hendricken-North Kingstown game being played later. The Townies will face Hendricken on Thursday at 4:30 at R.I. College for a best of three D1 championship series. A Townie team hasn’t been in a D1 championship final since 1945.

Special thanks to Kris Hallene for the photos this series. This story and the upcoming finals will be updated by the www.ReporterToday.com.