Pirates Move on in Williamsport Tourney

The Patterson Pirates 11 and Under Williamsport Tournament Team won its district and was set to play a team from either Orange or Sullivan County in Wallkyl on Wednesday in the next level of the tournament.

Teams that advance in the tournament will have a chance to participate in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

The Pirates clinched the district title by defeating Briarcliff 10-2 on Friday at Patterson's Peckham Park.

Chris Palmeiro got the win by pitching five innings. He also helped his own cause at the plate by hitting a three-run homerun. Brian Harlan pitched the sixth inning for the Pirates.

Anthony Melchione contributed to the offense by bashing a two-run homerun.

Pirates coach Dan Wilson was overjoyed for his players, who will get to experience the thrill of hanging a championship banner at their home park.

"Winning the district title is exciting," he said. "We got great starting pitching. The kids are playing well and deserved to win."

In the 9-4 victory over Bedford Hills in Cortland Manor, the Pirates got out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back. Wilson credited his hitters with having a strong game against good pitching.

"Their pitchers really threw hard," he said.

The 10-0 defeat of Armonk at Peckham Park included a good pitching performance by starter Ryan Frey, who pitched three innings. Harlan pitched three innings in relief.

Tim Catalano had two hits, as did Chris Epp. Parker Wilson had two hits and three RBI.

The offense has really been clicking for the Pirates, which has led to large margins of victory for the team.

"We have run off seven straight wins, most by seven or eight runs," Wilson said.

Should Patterson do well in this portion of the tournament, they will advance to the state finals in Troy. Getting to the finals would be special to Wilson no matter where they would be played. However, competing in Troy would be extra special.

"That is where I was born," said Wilson. "I played Little League there."