Waterford bounces Maine state champions, 10-1, to remain alive

WORCESTER, Mass., August 4, 2022 – Preston Tabor had a single, triple and three RBI while teammate Jackson Long had a single and a double to lead the Waterford American Legion baseball team to a 10-1 win over the Queen City Riverdogs Thursday at the Northeast Regional tournament at Fitton Field.

Waterford (28-6) scored nine runs in the fourth and fifth inning to snap a 1-1 tie and eliminate the Maine state champions. Waterford, which earned their first Northeast Regional victory, will face Greece, N.Y., on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. in another elimination game.

Tied at 1-1, Waterford loaded the bases in the fourth inning thanks to a single and two walks. Matt Reilly had a RBI single and Tabor had a three-run triple to give Post 161 a 5-1 lead.

Waterford added another five runs in the fifth inning thanks to a two-run single from catcher Ken Miller and RBI singles from Brian Ingraham and Tabor. Sean Salvador also had a RBI on a ground ball out. Post 161 finished with 10 hits in the game.

On the mound, Waterford pitcher Anthony Jessuck went the distance to earn the win. He pitched seven innings, allowed seven hits and struck out six. He walked just two.

Jed Gilpatrick was 2-for-2 for the Riverdogs, who play out of Hampden, Maine., and include players from nearby Brewer, Maine.

Waterford is making their first Northeast Regional appearance since 2008 when Post 161 lost their first two games and were eliminated. Waterford is representing Connecticut in the tournament because state champion Danbury couldn’t get enough players to participate in the tournament.

Waterford 10, Hamden, ME 1
At Worcester, MA
Hamden ME                 001  000  0  — 1-7-1
Waterford (28-6)         010  450  x  — 10-10-1
Collin Peckham, Anthony Chiappone (5), Jed Gilpatrick (6) and unknown; Anthony Jessuck and Ken Miller; WP: Jessuck; LP: Peckham; 2B: Jackson Long (W), Bebo Martinez (W), Collin Peckham (M); 3B: Preston Tabor (W)

2022 American Legion Northeast Regional tournament