BRUNSWICK

Recently, the Brunswick Cal Ripken U11 baseball team, nicknamed the Barnstormers, went to Skowhegan to play in Cal Ripken’s State tournament after defeating Mt. Ararat in districts two weeks prior.

Brunswick faced Fairfield in its opening game, rolling to a 3-0 win behind a combined no-hitter from three of its pitchers.

The Barnstormers faced Andy Valley, the defending state champions, next. Brunswick took a quick 6-0 lead after two innings and never looked back, defeating Andy Valley, 9-6.

Brunswick faced undefeated Auburn in the winner’s bracket. Brunswick combined powerful hitting and sharp pitching into a dominating 12-2 victory in five innings, putting the Barnstormers into the championship round.

After its earlier loss, Andy Valley had to win out through the loser’s bracket to have a chance of defending its title. Andy Valley defeated Auburn, setting up a rematch with Brunswick, with Andy Valley needing to win twice to advance past the Barnstormers.

Brunswick had a tough time getting going, falling behind early, and Brunswick dropped its first game.

This set up a winner-take-all finale between Andy Valley and Brunswick, with the winner advancing to the New England Regional

The second contest was closer, with the teams tied 3- 3 heading to the fourth inning. However, Andy Valley’s bats continued to stay hot, taking a 6-3 lead. After that, Andy Valley pulled away, winning game two.

The Barnstormers were the runner-ups.

However, the season is not over for the Barnstormers, who were informed during the awards ceremony that Brunswick was invited to the Regional Tournament, which begins on Friday at Waterville’s Little Wrigley Field complex.

Brunswick faces New Hampshire at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.