Portland’s Babe Ruth baseball team, featuring several players who will be attending Cheverus and Portland High schools, recently won the New England 14-year-old regional in Westfield, Massachusetts in dramatic fashion. In the final game, trailing 3-2 in its last at-bat, Portland won the game and the regional on a two-out, two-run home run from Trey Fletcher.

“It was great,” said Portland manager Tony Stewart. “The team was so focused and locked in. We beat the best teams in New England. Last year we got to the last day and I was surprised how well we did. Going into this year, the kids talked about going back and winning. Up an down the lineup, we got contributions. Our role players were critical. All the kids did a great job. They’re having a great time.” 

Portland will take part in the Babe Ruth World Series Aug. 15-22 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

“We’re not familiar with anybody we’re playing,” Stewart said. “It’s my hope the kids fire on all cylinders and play up to their potential. It’s going to be formidable, but if we play well, we’ll have an opportunity to win some games.”

Standing, left to right: Coach Frank Watson, Will Snyder, Grady Black, Donnie Tocci, Trey Fletcher, Cam King, Keller Nicolai, Nick Boyle, coach Colin Snyder, Haden O’Donnell and manager Tony Stewart.

Kneeling: Coach David O’Donnell, batboy Dempsey Brady, Justin Ray, Ben Sawyer, William Barnard, Walt Lewandowski, Ben Stasium, Garrett Tracey and Bobby Ridge.