Babe Ruth Baseball -- Norwalk 15s fall into loser's bracket

FAIRFIELD -- It was a game that the Norwalk Babe Ruth contingent would just as soon forget.

The Norwalk All-Stars came out flat and were overwhelmed by the squad from Trumbull, falling 10-2 in the winner's bracket final of District 2 playoffs at Kiwanis Field on Monday.

If Norwalk hopes to get another shot at Trumbull, they will first have to top Fairfield on Tuesday.

Trumbull's Colby Trasic -- the team's No. 8 hitter -- slammed two triples and drove in five runs to lead his team. But he wasn't the only issue Norwalk had as the malaise which hung over the squad was evident from warm-ups.

Throughout the game, they made mental and physical errors that were unusual for the team. Plus, they received nine walks from Trumbull pitchers, but could only come up with three hits.

Norwalk had runners picked off second base with nobody out not just once but twice.

Head coach Jeremy Jordan was visibly upset with his squad throughout the entire game and promised that it would be a much different team when they show up at the field on Tuesday.

"We had our heads out of the game and we buckled under pressure," said Jordan. "Typically, the things I try to get them to focus on is to keep their heads in the game and against a team like Trumbull there is no room for error. We're just going to come back tomorrow and play Norwalk baseball like we do."

Norwalk starter Brandon Hanzlik got through the first frame without much trouble, but two singles and a walk loaded the bases with no one out in the second inning.

Trasic dug in at the plate and sent a line drive up the alley in left center field for a triple, giving Trumbull a 3-0 lead. Trasic would score on a passed ball, but just as disturbing was the way Trumbull reloaded the bases on an error and two walks before Hanzlik could wriggle out of trouble.

The two teams settled into a scoreless duel for the next two innings in spite of the fact that neither pitcher was sharp.

Norwalk received three walks in the bottom of the second inning from Trumbull starter Brian Hantuk but came away empty, partly because a runner was picked off second.

Norwalk had almost the exact same scenario in the third inning when Sawyer Machette led off with a single but was picked off second base, as well.

Norwalk again came away with no runs even though Hantuk allowed two more free passes in the inning after Machette had been eliminated.

Trumbull chased Hanzlik in the fifth inning after he allowed a lead-off walk, but Sam Starkman could not put the fire out as he surrendered a single and Trasic's second triple to give Trumbull a 6-0 advantage.

It was the second game in a row that Trasic had multiple triples. Trumbull coach Tim Koch said it is deceiving that he bats so low in the order but explained it was because he suffered through a long slump earlier in the season and now seems to be breaking out of it at the perfect time. It may even warrant him moving up in the batting order.

Norwalk finally scored in the bottom of the fifth frame without registering a hit.

Johanna Knight walked to lead off and Machette followed with another free pass. Knight and Machette came around to score on a passed ball and a double steal to get Norwalk back to within striking distance at 6-2.

Trumbull ended those slim hopes by adding four more runs in the top for he sixth inning to push the score to 10-2.

"The kids came together,"said Koch. "We've been hitting the ball pretty well, but give all the credit to them."

Machette led the Norwalk offense with two hits and a walk which led to a run scored. Knight reached base twice with one single and a walk while Restivo received three free passes.

There was word about a protest that Norwalk was going to file against Trumbull.

Norwalk now has to put this game behind them and respond with a better game tomorrow because if not summer vacation starts early.