Hammonton takes District 16 title

Courtesy photo Hammonton Little League’s All-Stars display their District 16 championship flag. Hammonton closed out an undefeated run to the title on July 8 and advanced to this week’s Section IV tournament.

STAFFORD—Hammonton Little League’s All-Star team brought home the District 16 championship on July 8, claiming a 1-0 forfeit victory in the title game.

The win capped an undefeated run through districts for Hammonton, which won four games in pool play to begin the tournament, then swept three matchups in the double-elimination district finals.

After opening the four-team finals bracket with a 12-0 win against South Cape May (Lower Twp./Dennis Twp./Middle Twp.), Hammonton advanced to the district championship game with a 6-2 win against Ocean City/Upper Twp. on July 5.

In that game, the local All-Stars scored three runs in the top of the first inning to take control of the game, added a run in the third and sealed the victory with two more in the fifth.

Joey Baglivo drove in the first run of the game and Colton Robinson added an RBI later in the first inning and then scored the third run on an error.

An error gave Hammonton a run in the third and in the fifth, Hammonton was able to take advantage of two more Ocean City miscues to pull away with two runs.

Colin Peeke started the game on the mound for Hammonton and earned the win, scattering four hits through three innings with one strikeout. At the plate, he had a single and an RBI.

Baglivo finished the game 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run, while Robinson doubled and drove in a run, finishing the game on the mound with eight strikeouts in three innings of work.

Also for Hammonton, Brayden Bendig collected three hits and scored three times.

Hammonton now moves on to the Section IV tournament, hosted by Haddonfield. The All-Stars will open section play on July 14 against District 3 champion South Vineland at 8 p.m.