TOMS RIVER, NJ – The road to Williamsport was cut short for the Toms River East Little League all-stars after they met an opponent they just couldn’t beat. Massapequa Coast Little League handed Toms River its two double-elimination losses to advance to Williamsport.
Last night, TRELL faced a team that defeated them 6-3 last weekend. On Friday, New York Little Leaguer Joey Lionetti threw a no-hitter, striking out 9 to shut out Toms River East 4-0.
Last Saturday, TRELL had 8 hits against Leonetti, but on Friday, he was dialed in and had the number of the Beast from the East. One of two Toms River players to get on base was leadoff hitter Michael Mendes who reached first on four straight balls from Lionetti to start the game. He ended up getting to third on a ground out after taking second on a wild pitch but was stranded on third after Lionetti settled and took control of the game.
In the sixth and final inning, Lionetti hit Jayce Cappello with a pitch that got away from him, giving Toms River East hope for a comeback, but he struck out the final battle to win the game and preserve his championship no-hitter.
Massapequa Coast now advances to the Little League World Series in Williamsport and Toms River returns home as New Jersey Little League Champions.