Lewes major league all-stars fall to Woodbridge in District 3 final

The Lewes major league all-stars dropped a 10-0 decision to Woodbridge in the District 3 championship July 14 at the Bridgeville Little League field. Woodbridge had defeated Lewes 5-3 July 13 to set up the rematch for the District 3 banner.

Bryan Ciabattoni went 2-for-2 at the plate and pitched four innings with no earned runs and two strikeouts, scattering three Woodbridge hits with only one walk. Woodbridge scored four unearned runs, all with two outs in the third inning.

"Bryan [Ciabattoni] was throwing strikes, and Ryan Gibbons and Luke Johnson were making a lot of solid plays at third and short," said Lewes Manager Adam Gelof.

Then the rain and lightning came, delaying the game for nearly two and a half hours.

The delay took its toll on Lewes as Woodbridge scored five runs in the fifth, and L.B. Harrington came in to relieve Chase Hesson on the mound and with the bases loaded and down 9-0 struck out two batters before a bad bounce allowed Woodbridge to score their final run.

"They [Lewes] almost pulled it off," said Gelof. "For the most part they [Woodbridge] had played together as a unit since they won the district at age 10. Nevertheless, these kids from Lewes came together and stood at one point two outs from winning the district [up 3-1 in the last inning of the July 13 game].

"They grinded and bounced back from adversity, and in the process defeated three really good teams to get to the championship series.Throughout the ups and downs, they displayed constant exemplary sportsmanship.

"I know I speak for all the parents and coaches when I say these boys represented Lewes Little League in the district tournament in a way everyone can be proud of, and I consider that a winning effort."