BRISTOL — 


Despite holding a one-run lead twice, Bristol’s King Phillip Little League all-stars lost to visiting Riverside in heart breaking fashion, 3-2, in the District 2 Little League 11-12 Major Baseball Division All-Star Tournament Tuesday at the Vets Park Complex.
Bristol ultimately would have it hopes dashed when a collision in left field left the ball laying the grass along with players in disbelief as they watched Riverside celebrate after the winning run came home on the play in the bottom of the sixth inning.

“There was a little lack of communication there, that was an easy out,” Bristol’s manager Scott Perry said. “We were a little tense at the end. We knew this was going to be a tough game.”

Bristol started off the evening on a high note with a home run in the very first inning by Matt Parella to put Riverside in an early 1-0 hole.

However, Riverside would answer right back in the next half inning to tie the game at 1-1.

After two scoreless innings, Bristol would strike again as Ray Boyd would eventually come around to score on an arrant throw to give themselves a lead yet again with the score set at 2-1. However, Riverside would answer right back again with a solo shot in the fifth to tie the game at 2-2.

With tensions rising, Bristol failed to bring around a baserunner in the top of the sixth as they hit into a double play. Riverside would continue to build off this momentum until Bristol had earned two outs in the bottom of the sixth, just one out away from forcing extra innings. Riverside's next batter proceeded to hit a high fly ball that hung in the air for several second before it fell right in the glove of Bristol’s shortstop until he collided with the left fielder which dislodged the ball. The errors allowed a baserunner to come around and score as Riverside celebrated a 3-2 win.

Bristol needed to turn its attention quickly to the losers bracket finals which was scheduled to be played the following evening, July 12, against Barrington. The survivor moves in the district final opposite Riverside beginning Sunday night, July 16. Either Bristol or Barrington would have to beat Riverside twice to win the District 2 title and advance to the state tournament later next week.

“It is all about short memories,” Perry said. “Forget about today and worry about tomorrow. Today is already in the past for us.”