March 28, 2024

Riverside vs. Rumford Tonight in Silva 9-10 LL Championship Series

Rivals have played each other last two years for this championship

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ALL EAST PROVIDENCE FINAL

For the third year in a row it will be Riverside vs. Rumford for the championship in the Ron Silva 9-10 Little League Tournament. Riverside and Rumford have played each other for the championship each of the last two years with Riverside winning both times. Although Riverside may be the slight favorite tonight based on its undefeated record, Rumford is ready. "It's always tough to beat a good team three times in a row," said Riverside assistant coach Kris Hallene. "We've told our kids to expect a tough game. Rumford is good and we'll have to be on top of our game,"   Hallene added.

Rumford has successfully battled back strongly to reach the title game after losing its opening game in the Ron Silva All Star Tourney. They lost in a very close 8-6 defeat to Newport in an away game on June 29th. Facing tourney elimination, in the double elimination format, Rumford has roared back with five impressive wins. The Rumford team came back with a strong 12-1 victory over Fairlawn of Pawtucket on July 7th in Pawtucket. They next played the always competitive Darlington team from Pawtucket on July 10th and came away with a well played 9-6 win. Continuing their winning ways, Rumford next defeated Barrington 6-1. The winning streak continued as Rumford defeated Warren on Wednesday July 17th 2-1 in a game at Kim Rock Field in Rumford. On July 20th the Rumford stars beat back Pineview 7-2 and a 6-0 shutout of a previously unbeaten Bristol team (Riverside gave Bristol their first loss) projected Rumford to the championship game against tough nemesis Riverside. "The club from Riverside has had our number recently and we look forward to challenging them for the championship," said Rumford LL president Eddie Wencis.

Riverside 9-10's have had an easier road to the championship game as they have remained undefeated in the winner's bracket. The team has relied on superb pitching, good defense and timely offense. Riverside was impressive with an 8-0 opening win on July 2nd over Darlington at Forbes Field in Riverside. The team next easily got by a pesky Pineview, Pawtucket team with a 13-4 victory on July 12th. The fast start by Riverside had matched them with the tournament's only other undefeated team at the time, Bristol. The highly anticipated game between those two undefeated teams was played Friday, July 19th at Forbes Field. Riverside came away with an 11-1 win. The game was shortened due to the 10 run little league mercy rule.

The championship is awarded tonight with a Riverside win while Rumford is hoping to extend the series should they win.

The annual tournament features teams from Newport, Tiverton, Pineview, Darlington, Barrington, Middletown and EP Central. Tonight's game will start at 5:45 pm at Forbes Field off Wampanoag Trail in Riverside

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