RCP wins battle over Ellington-Somers-Rockville

Ellington — In a game between two of the strongest teams in the state, and not without controversy, Rocky Hill-Cromwell-Portland took a 6-2 win in extra innings over Ellington-Somers-Rockville in American Legion Baseball action, on July 10.

Ellington-Somers-Rockville appeared to have the game won in walk-off fashion in the eighth inning. With runners on second and third, pitcher Anthony Mierez hit a ball sharply toward the gap between first and second. The ball was fielded by first baseman Austin Hess and flipped to the pitcher covering the bag, and the Mierez was called out, despite appearing to have beaten the throw with room to spare.

RCP loaded the bases in the ninth and Elias Deleon delivered a base-clearing double off the fence to plate three. RCP tacked on an insurance run to reach the final score of 6-2.

With just a handful of games remaining in the regular season, Ellington sits atop the Zone 3 Northern Division standings with a record of 15-6. RCP (17-4) is in second place in the Zone 3 Southern Division, behind Middletown (18-1).

For complete standings and playoff schedules, visit www.ctlegionball.com.

Ellington-Somers-Rockville first baseman Alex Grenier looks the ball into his glove. (Steve Smith)

RCP's Justin Valentin pitched strong for seven innings. (Steve Smith)

Garret Fallon pitched two innings of relief for RCP to close out the game. (Steve Smith)

RCP's Kyle Hyde gets a good jump off of second base. (Steve Smith)

Pitcher Jack Steed is having a great season for Ellington-Somer-Rockville after returning from Tommy John surgery. (Steve Smith)

Ellington runner Steve Kozak makes sure he knows where the ball is going before deciding to run or turn back, as it heads toward the glove of RCP's Tyler Carlstrom. (Steve Smith)