Bellefonte 11s tops State College in instant Classic title tilt

By rscaife
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Updated: July 13, 2017

BELLEFONTE-It was the shot heard around Centre County Wednesday night as Bellefonte batter Grayson Alterio fulfilled a dream all players dream of as he blasted a 2-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning of the 11-year old District 5 title tilt.
When the celebrations began, the “Red and White” gave their fans a lot to cheer for with the walk off homer, winning 6-4.
In a game that won’t be forgotten for a long time, the boys from Bellefonte met in the championship game against a tough State College team that held a 1-run lead going into Bellefonte’s last at bats.
It was a game that both teams proved that they both had what it took to be called champions, State College just came up one out short of winning the game themselves.
After Bellefonte, held the lead for most of the game, 3-1, State made its move in their final at bats of regulation.
Nick Belinc got his team started with a walk.
With one out, Jack Messina singled to put runners on the corners.
One wild pitch later, Belinc motored home and cut the Bellefonte lead to 3-2.
Messina also moved up a base, putting him in scoring position.
He wasn’t there long as teammate Ben Graupensperger hit a shot that hit the bottom of the centerfield wall tying the game and sending it into extras.
After holding Bellefonte scoreless in their part of the sixth, the State College offense was back at it again in the extra stanza.
Facing a one out at bat, Owen Yerka blasted a single and then later scored on a triple by teammate Belinc, giving them the 4-3 advantage late.
In the bottom of the inning what seemed to be an inning killer as Bellefonte bounced into a double play, giving them just one out to cling to.
Not only did they cling but they thrived on the pressure, Ethan Tomasacci walked. He then moved up to second on a wild pitch and then after a second wild pitch, Bellefonte had new life.
While taking third, the throw to throw him out missed it’s marked and into the outfield, allowing him to tie the game at four.
Nash Irwin also walked, setting the stage for Alterio.
With the count sitting at 2-and-2, Alterio plastered the pitch just over the centerfield fence as the game at the same moment provided the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
Tomasacci was strong on the mound as he went deep into the sixth before being relieved. He had eight strike outs, helping his team hold a 3-1 advantage.
State College was successful going on a bullpen by committee style that allowed them to remain within striking distance.
State used pitchers Gino Peghetti, Graupensperger, Yerba and Jack Messina.
Both teams should be complimented for their effort and leaving fans with quite the championship game.
Bellefonte will host a sectional game Thursday, July 20th.