Worcester, MA (May 13, 2022) – Kameron Levesque's (Hooksett, NH) 12th inning three-run walk off homerun was the difference in sending the Northern Essex Community College baseball team onto the championship round of the NJCAA Region 21 Tournament on Sunday at 12:00pm, with an 11-9 win. The Knights will take on the winner of tonight's game between CCRI and Massasoit.
Trailing 9-8 with two outs and two on, Levesque sent the 0-1 pitch deep over the left field fence. The win improves the Knights to 32-6 on the season and sends them to their 10th consecutive championship round of the region tournament (no tournaments were held in 2020 or 2021).
The first five batters in the NECC lineup each recorded two hits in the game as part of 12 hit attack. Anthony Marcano (Boston, MA) got the scoring started in the 4th as he launched a two-run home run to left field. NECC would add three more runs in the 5th on a bases loaded triple from Richard Matos (Boston, MA) while adding a single run in both the 6th and 7th innings.
CCRI clawed their way back into the to force extras with a three-run home run of their in the top of the 9th and scored single runs in both the 11th and 12th innings that NECC rallied back from.
On the mound for NECC, Jairo Vazquez (Lawrence) started and didn't factor in the decision as went seven innings, striking out 12, walking two and allowing four runs on six hits. Tristian Ciampa (Wilmington) picked up the win as he pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief striking out two and allowing two runs on six hits.
NECC will be seeking their second consecutive Region 21 Championship on Sunday.