Backs to the wall: Freehold Township Little League baseball has no quit in tournament

MIDDLETOWN — The Freehold Township Little League U12 players have no quit in them and they’ve shown that throughout the District 19 tournament.

The special fight this team has has garnered belief within the team.

“We’re going to win the Little League World Series. I have a lot of trust in this team,” said Freehold first baseman James Calamia.

That's a long way off but pitcher Lance Virzi says: “I think we can go far. I think we sleep on some teams and I think we can do better.”

Tuesday's win was a perfect example of resilience for Freehold Township, a 15-5 decision over Two River West to advance to the district finals. After giving up four runs in the top of the third inning, creating a 5-1 deficit, Freehold answered back explosively, stopping the game short in the bottom of the fifth inning due to the mercy rule.

“So first we were a little shaky, the ball was getting by us...wasn’t throwing that hard,” said Virzi. “And then we started boosting the ball.”

Chance at redemption in district finals

After losing to Lincroft on Monday 4-1, Freehold Township will get a chance to redeem itself in the championship game against Lincroft on Friday. After finding themselves down multiple runs and coming off a loss, the Freehold players could’ve quit but instead showed mental toughness.

“We pounded that home with them last night,” said Freehold Township coach Tom Figliolino. "They got down on themselves last night and they were never in the ball game. Tonight there were a couple of lead changes and they kept the energy and intensity up so I’m happy to see that.”

The comeback effort began in the bottom of the third inning when a double from Calamia brought home Jack Figliolino and Jonathon Kim to even the score 5-5. Then Calamia stole home to grant Freehold the lead before an Austin Sweeney RBI double brought home Owen Hubbs to make the lead 7-5 going into the fourth inning.

In the fourth inning Freehold would blow the doors open with a Jack McGee RBI to bring home Virzi to make the score 8-5. Then a Tyler Chang double brought home Freddy Mandeville to extend the lead 9-5. A grand slam from Kim while Chang, Jack Scarnati, and Figliolino were on base bought the lead to 13-5.

The final dagger was in the bottom of the fifth inning with a Virzi double RBI to bring home Evan Umansky and Sweeney to make the final score. It was a true team effort all-around.

“Jonathon Kim, he’s an absolute stud,” said Calamia. "Lance Virzi, the GOAT. We had a lot of crucial at-bats and Freddy Mandeville with a great bunt that really encouraged our offense to score a lot of runs.”

Practice, practice, practice until Friday

After a couple of early exits in past seasons, Freehold isn’t taking this opportunity for granted. The program won the state crown in 2016 but hasn't made a return trip to the state tournament since. They’ll have a shot to go to the Section 3 tournament - the last stage before the state tournament - if able to get past Lincroft, so the players will be practicing hard until then.

Figliolino has been working with this group of kids for the last “three or four years” and has watched them mature into good ball players. He knows what they’re capable of and is willing to push them to their best.

“It was a great game they showed a lot of energy tonight,” said Figliolino. “We’re going to have practices probably tomorrow and on the Fourth and we have to get ready for a real tough Lincroft team.”