By Steve Bigham

Newtown Insurance might have been the team to beat in the Babe Ruth Softball U12 American League but on Saturday night at Treadwell Park, the team found itself down 4-0 to Newtown Hardware after three innings.

Then the rally started.

With five runs in the fourth and fifth innings (the maximum allowable), Newtown Insurance scooted past Newtown Hardware on its way to an 11-6 win, capturing the U12 American League championship.

The victory capped a fine season for the squad coached by Ted Ruddock, Kevin Shepard and Beth Beattie.

“The bats just came alive in the fourth inning. Everybody was hitting the ball,” Coach Ruddock said.

Sarah Greenfield (double), Nichole Beatty (double) and Melissa Shepard (double) recorded big hits in the rally.. Pitchers Alana Wennick and Erin Ruddock combined for the victory, settling down after the early innings to hold Newtown Hardware’s hitters in check.

Michelle Brennan, Ashley Christiano, Megan Petruny, Claire Berlioux and Catrina Morgan all played well in the win.

In the semifinal Friday night, Katie Ebert pitched a great game as Newtown Insurance defeated Dr Curtis Beck.

Newtown Hardware finished the season 10-3-1.

Newtown Insurance players included Megan Petruney, Kathryn Ebert, Melissa Sheppard, Alana Winick, Nichole Beatty, Claire Berlioux, Michelle Brennan, Ashley Christiano, Sarah Greenfield, Catrina Morgan and Erin Ruddock.

Newtown Hardware players included Stephanie Manning, Ali Swink, Sally Tabler, Kelsey Cantore, Alexa Faeth, Cyrsten Johnson, Amanda LaPorta, Alison McEmber, Katie Midlik, Brittany Pasko and Tricia Reed.