Stratford Stampede take 14u Crown

In their inaugural season, the Stratford Stampede became the East Shore Travel League 14u 2012 Champions defeating The Easton-Redding Falcons 5-4 on a walk off base hit in extra innings. The team played solid behind Tim Leveen's 5 innings of pitching before Ron Nelson came in to finish the game in relief. Easton-Redding took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the 4th before Dan DeCilio had a clutch two out two run single to right center to tie the game. Trailing 4-2 going into the bottom of the 7th, the Stampede loaded the bases with one out when Ron Nelson beat out a throw to first due to Matt Sharnicks hard slide into second breaking up what could have been a game ending double play helping the Stampede score 2 runs to tie the game. In the bottom of the 8th with the bases loaded and the infield playing in defensively, Nick Gage had a well placed single scoring John Lagerfeldt to capture the title. On their championship run, the Stratford Stampede defeated the East Haven 89ers 9-3 and the Hamden Yard Dogs 10-2 to gain a spot in the championship against the Easton-Redding Falcons. The Stampede finished the year with an overall record, including tournament play, of 20-6.