The Newtown Blue Aces 9A baseball team captured the Connecticut Cal Ripken District 5 title on July 8, defeating Southbury 6-4 in the championship game, at Hawley Field.

The Blue Aces received strong pitching performances by starter Elliot Rosen and closer Danny Leyva, who combined for 14 strikeouts in six innings of work. Though faced with solid Newtown pitching, Southbury did not go quietly, and started off the scoring in the third inning by hitting a two-run home run over the left field fence. Refusing to be intimidated, the Blue Aces answered in the bottom of the inning with three runs of their own, sparked by an RBI double from James McMahon, and RBI singles by Leyva and Rosen. Southbury scored another run in top of the fifth inning, but again the Blue Aces responded by scoring three runs in the bottom half of the inning, to take the lead for good.

Prior to the championship game, the two teams met in a pivotal tournament game in Southbury. The Blue Aces won 6-3 behind strong pitching performances by Joey Terry and Danny Leyva, who combined for 14 strikeouts in this game as well. Southbury's potent offense just could not match the Blue Aces, who featured some clutch hitting, including two doubles by Curtis Verdi.

By capturing the District 5 title the Blue Aces, managed by Chris McMahon and assisted by Chris Geissler, Matt Sordi, and Tony Albano, earned a spot in the state tournament that starts July 16 in Danbury. The Blue Aces hope to continue their momentum with a strong showing and perhaps earn a spot in the New England Regional tournament that will be hosted later this month in Keene, NH.