TOMS RIVER- The Holbrook Little League All-Stars defeated Manchester Little League 18 – 5 after losing their opening game to Manchester 7-6. Holbrook blew through the tournament bracket beating Brick 8-2, then Toms River 14-2 to claim the championship berth.
Facing elimination on Monday, Holbrook defeated Manchester 18-12 before defeating Manchester in the title game Tuesday night.
In the first inning, Holbrook’s JR Osmond hit a three run home run to take a 3-0 lead.
In the next inning Garrett Drew solidified Holbrook’s lead with a two-run shot. John Grano and Chris Andrews each hit doubles in the inning, including and RBI double by Grano.
Manchester showed signs of life in the bottom of the second inning, scoring 5 runs, including a grand slam home run by Gavin Degnan. After two, the game was close, with Holbrook leading 6-5.
In the 5th inning, Holbrook scored 12 runs and won by the Little League 10 run mercy rule.
Holbrook will now advance to the New Jersey Section 3 tournament, their next step towards Williamsport, PA and the Little League World Series.
Photo by Marianne Kinsman.