Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury Nationals Little League All Star Team (11-year-olds) won the Thomas Dunford Memorial District 5 Championship July 27 in Millbury. The team defeated the Northborough Little League All Stars 6-2 to defend the title that they won last season as 10-year-olds.
After finishing round robin play with three wins and three losses, the Nationals earned the #10 seed in the 14-team tournament for the championship. They proceeded to win four straight games in single-elimination play to finish with an overall record of seven wins and three losses in the tournament, defeating teams from Millbury, Westborough, Grafton, Quabog, Southborough, Auburn, and Northborough.
Leading the Nationals with an outstanding pitching performance was hard-throwing right-hander Logan Peterson. Peterson gave up two unearned runs, scattering only four hits on 10 strikeouts and one walk over 5 2/3 innings. After Peterson reached his pitch count limit, left-hander Tyler Mudd came in from his usual centerfield position to pitch and get the last out to earn the save.
Leading the offensive attack in the championship game was Sean Bunton (two hits, two RBIs) and Ryan McAulay (two hits, RBI). Also getting hits or RBIs for the Nationals were Tyler Mudd, Cade Nelson, Nico Evangelous, Clint Mills, Logan Peterson, and Matt Rossi.
Defensive stars included Teddy Karlin (2B), Ryan Bouffard (SS), Shane MacDonald (LF), Nico Evangelous (LF), and Cam Thibeault (C).
Ryan McAulay was named the tournament's “Most Valuable Player” for his outstanding pitching, hitting, and fielding throughout the tournament. Speedy centerfielder Tyler Mudd received the “Most Outstanding Hustler Award.”
Members of the Shrewsbury Nationals 11-year-old All Stars include Ryan Bouffard, Sean Bunton, Dante Colonero, Nico Evangelous, Teddy Karlin, Shane MacDonald, Ryan McAulay, Clint Mills, Tyler Mudd, Cade Nelson, Logan Peterson, Matt Rossi and Cam Thibeault.
The team's head coach was Gary Thibeault, assisted by Craig Colonero, Dave MacDonald, and Michael Mudd.
