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08/09/2021 12:00 AMThe Branford Junior American Legion 17-U baseball team saw its season come to an end when Post 83 took a loss to Newington in the first round of the State Tournament last week. Branford finished its 2021 summer season with an overall record of 10-12.
On Aug. 3, Branford opened play as the No. 7 seed in the Southern Division portion of the State Tournament by hosting No. 10 Newington for a first-round game. Post 83 was eliminated from the tournament with an 8-1 defeat against Newington at Branford High School.
Newington scored two runs in the first inning and then plated five runs in the third to take an early 7-0 lead over Branford. Post 83 scored a run in the bottom of the third when Nico Falcioni doubled home Ben Stegina. Newington added another run in the fourth inning to make the score 8-1.
Stegina pitched five strong innings of relief to help keep Branford in the game. Stegina allowed just one run on three hits and two walks to go with four strikeouts for Post 83.
Stegina also went 1-for-2 with two walks, a run scored, and a stolen base in the game. Falcioni was 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Cam Garrett went 1-for-1 with a walk.
Falcioni posted a .407 batting average to go with a .507 on-base percentage, 15 runs scored, and 11 RBI for Branford on the year. The first baseman had 24 hits and drew nine walks, while striking out just three times for the entire season.
Turbert pitched and played left field for Post 83 this summer. Turbert finished the campaign with a .375 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage with 18 hits, 11 walks, 19 runs scored, and six RBI.
In addition to pitching, Stegina also played center field for Head Coach Michael Krause’s squad this year. Stegina completed his 2021 season with a .346 batting average and a .477 on-base percentage on 18 hits and 12 walks. He also scored 19 runs and had 19 stolen bases.
—Chris Piccirillo