Despite trailing by nine runs headed into the bottom of the fourth, Portsmouth’s 11U District team rallied to defeat Bedford Little League 11-9 on Friday at Hislop Field.
Bedford jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning of walks, hits and a couple of defensive miscues by Portsmouth.
Bedford added to their early lead in the top of the third inning with a pair of runs, and then plated three more runs in the top of the fourth.
Then, the comeback began. Portsmouth scored five runs on five hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Nolan Malinowski tripled, scoring three runs. Max Levine doubled, scoring one run, and Jackson Kern singled, scoring Levine.
Portsmouth flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the fifth, scoring six runs on four hits to take a 11-9 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Henry Patterson that drove in two.
Joshua Miller pitched three and one-third innings in relief for Portsmouth. They surrendered four hits and three runs while, striking out four and walking one.
Malinowski started on the hill for Portsmouth. The starting pitcher surrendered three hits and six runs (three earned) over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking four.
Portsmouth accumulated 13 hits in the game. Malinowski provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led Portsmouth with three runs batted in going 2-for-3 on the day.
Rory O’Brien went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Portsmouth in hits. Henry Patterson and Angus McCafferty each collected multiple hits for Portsmouth. Patterson stole three bases, too.
Portsmouth now awaits the release of the state tournament final seedlings and bracket but expects to play in the first round which starts on Wednesday.