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Branford Eliminated from World Series by Losing to California 6-3

Branford Post 83 was eliminated from the American Legion World Series with a 6-3 defeat to Petaluma, California on Aug. 17. Rich Balzano's squad fell behind by three runs, rallied to get within one, yet couldn't complete the comeback as Petaluma added some insurance and prevailed at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, North Carolina. Post 83 had previously dropped a 5-0 decision to Wilmington, N.C. the night before.

Branford, which won Zone 2 for the fourth straight year and then claimed its fourth state and Northeast titles since 2005, finished the summer with a record of 36-4.

In an elimination game for both teams, Petaluma scored three runs in the bottom of the first against Post 83 starter John Amendola, who pitched five innings before being relieved by Mike Schettino.

Branford got on the board in the second when Tyler Forgione singled and scored on an error, although Petaluma plated a run in the bottom half to make it 4-1.

Post 83 then cut it to 4-2 in the fourth inning, scoring when Kyle Hart singled and raced home on a single by Forgione.

In the fifth, Tyler Criscuolo doubled and Hart's single scored him as Branford made it a 4-3 game. However, Petaluma tacked on two on the bottom of the inning and the 6-3 score held up as the final.

Petaluma's starting pitcher Brandon Hagerla was relieved after eight innings by Jimmy Flatt, who retired Branford in order in the ninth to finish the game.