Bedford Babes Bumped from New England Regionals

For the second-consecutive year, they called themselves New Hampshire champions.

Bedford's Babe Ruth 13U all-stars – who last year, as 11- and 12-year olds, fell one win short of reaching the Little League World Series – proved almost equally successful in 2013.

Not only did the almost identical cast of players win another Granite State title this year, – defeating Goffstown for the crown earlier in July – but they embarked on a deep run in the New England Regional tournament, which was hosted at nearby Gill Stadium in Manchester.

After suffering a tough opening-round setback to Plymouth, Mass. in the tourney opener on Saturday, the local nine stormed back with consecutive losers' bracket  victories against Central Valley, Maine on Sunday and then New Milford, Conn. on Monday, by scores of 12-4 and 9-4, respectively.

Their journey came to an end Tuesday, however, as the local nine fell, 4-3, in a defensive battle against Westfield, Conn. Brennan Hughes led the effort for Bedford, leading off and collecting three hits and two runs in four at-bats.  He also stole two bases.

Grant Levine, who took the loss on the mound, pitched five innings, striking out three and giving up four earned runs. He also notched two RBI. Joey Barrett brought Connor Collins home for Bedford's third run. The locals stranded eight runners to Westfield's seven.