CARIBOU, Maine — The Presque Isle 10-12-year-old baseball team made it look easy this week, outscoring four opponents by an 82-10 margin on its way to the Northern Maine Community Recreation Association championship.
Presque Isle defeated Mapleton in Thursday’s title game, 19-2. PI failed to score in the first inning off Mapleton starter Brandon Porter, but tallied runs in each of the ensuing four innings to win with ease.
PI scored five times in the second, one in the third, four in the fourth and nine in the fifth. Mapleton scored both of its runs in the bottom of the fifth and then the game was called due to the time limit.
First baseman Evan Ellis backpedals to make a catch in short right field for a putout during Mapleton’s game against Presque Isle in the NMCRA 10-12 year-old baseball championship game played Thursday in Caribou. (Kevin Sjoberg)
Cooper Boinske was the leading hitter and also claimed the victory on the mound. He went 4 for 4, including a pair of triples, and scored three times. As a pitcher, he dominated through the first four innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. Boinske did not allow a run to score during his stint. He gave way to relievers Jack Boone and Ben Beaulieu, who combined to pitch the final frame
Evan Chapman went 3 for 5 and scored three runs for the winners. Beaulieu and Max Graves also scored three times each. Right fielder Connor Bell made two diving catches to pace the defense.
For Mapleton, Evan Ellis, Drake Boucher and Mason Flenner all had hits. Porter, Ellis, Lucas Wood and Boucher all saw time on the mound. Kason Bua made a pair of excellent catches in center field.
Presque Isle defeated Fort Fairfield (24-3), Easton (19-2) and Madawaska (20-3) to reach the finals.
Ten teams participated in this year’s tournament, with all the games being played Monday and Thursday at the Caribou Little League complex.
Presque Isle second baseman Hunter Reed throws the ball to first baseman Max Graves to retire a Mapleton batter during Thursday’s NMCRA 10-12-year-old baseball title game played in Caribou. (Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg)
