Annicelli in complete game 8 strikeout win for East Providence. Townie Junior hurler stymied Westerly hitters in shutout

Dylan Annicelli, the lanky Junior pitcher for East Providence, pretty much dominated the top seeded Bulldogs with a complete game shutout for the key win Sunday at Cimalore Field in Westerly. Pitching, defense and timely hitting won the day again for East Providence High School as they defeated Westerly in a must-win game. The win on the road in front of a large Townie crowd propelled EP to a rematch with the Westerly Bulldogs at EPHS on Monday, June 3rd at 6 pm. The winner will move on to the D2 State Championship series held at Rhode Island College. Sunday’s win was the second consecutive complete game victory for a Townie pitcher. Sophomore Kyle Desrosiers threw a complete game one-hitter on Saturday to put the Townies in Sunday’s game. Game three on Monday night will feature Townie Junior Tyler Dicecco on the mound.

After two scoreless innings Sunday, East Providence broke the ice with two runs in the top of the third inning. With one out Tyler Dicecco walked and then stole 2nd base. Next up Max Correiro walked putting runners on 1st and 2nd. Another walk put Aidan Martins on as the bases were loaded for EP. A fielder’s choice by Kyler Lorenz scored Dicecco with Martins out at 2nd. Correiro made it to 3rd base. A ground ball and a balk and Correiro scored giving EP the only two runs it would need for the win.

East Providence had chances to break the game open with bases loaded twice but couldn’t add to their slim lead. The Townies only managed two hits, one each by Martins and K. Lorenz. They put together the win with Annicelli's pitching, those timely hits, aggressive base running and good swings at the plate, tiring the Bulldogs pitcher Jack Tenuta. Tenuta struck out 4 and walked 4 Townies. The Townies had two key steals.

If the large EP crowd in attendance was nervous all night the players didn’t show it. “I felt confident all game,” said winning pitcher Dylan Annicelli after the game. “I knew we had to win it and I was ready. No nerves at all, I felt strong the entire game. The little hits they got didn’t mean anything, I came back at them. We won’t let up tomorrow, we put the pressure on Westerly now. Our whole team is ready,” said the Townie Junior pitcher.

Annicelli’s parents of course were thrilled with the team win. “I’m always nervous when Dylan pitches,” said the hurler’s mom, Andrea Annicelli after the game. “We’re nervous in tight games but our defense is great. I’ll take this defense any day. A team win but we’re very proud of Dylan. I think our team showed Westerly we’re here to win. Let’s go,” said Mrs. Annicelli as the crowd gathered to applaud the team as they left the field for the bus ride home.

“Our pitchers during this week have all gone deep or had complete games. We’re hoping to keep it that way tomorrow and hopefully beyond as we try to repeat,” said Head Coach Bobby Rodericks. "One inning, one game at a time." Rodericks added that “I also want to thank all of the fans who came to support the Townies Baseball team in Westerly. It really helps the team. See you all Monday back at home at 6pm.”

The Townies run toward a second title included four games in six days: a 2-0 win against Johnston on May 28th, a 3-2 loss to Westerly May 30th, a 5-2 win over Johnston on June 1st and Sunday's 2-0 win. EP also had back-to-back wins against Ponaganset on May20, 21st.

Game photos by Andrea Annicelli