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- Category: Past Issues
By Steven Dakai
PUTNAM --- Zachary Cutler homered twice, including a walk off grand slam, in Putnam’s 9-7 win over the Norwich All Stars June 25. It was Putnam’s first win of the 2011 Little League 11/12 year old All Star Tournament putting them in the “winners pool” and a game with Pomfret June 28.
Cutler started the game on the mound for Putnam and struggled in the first inning giving up a 3-0 lead. Zach wasted no time in getting Putnam back into the game by hitting his first home run in the bottom half of the inning making the score 3-2.
Norwich continued to hit the ball hard off Cutler and relief pitcher Tristan Vanscoy building a 7-2 lead. The Norwich dugout was abuzz as they could see victory around the corner with the game entering the final inning.
The Norwich starter was pulled to save him for the next game. That was a decision that the Norwich coach would soon regret.
Conor Quinn led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a double to start the rally. Jacob Brule singled and moved Quinn to third base and then stole second on the next pitch. With first base open Norwich pitched around Tristan Vanscoy and walked him loading the bases. Scotty Davagian smacked a base hit scoring Quinn and keeping the bases loaded. Tamim Aldarawcheh kept the rally going with a tough at bat and a single up the middle scoring Brule. In stepped big Zach Cutler. With the crowd cheering and the Norwich team in shock, Zach blasted a rocket shot into the grandstands in left center field giving Putnam a 9-7 win and capping a seven-run inning.
As he rounded the bases his infectious smile beamed from ear to ear. He was met at home by a dozen adoring teammates and his two coaches.
“Zach has come through for us all year” said assistant coach Scott Goldbach. “He is a joy to coach, a truly nice kid and a great athlete”.
The Putnam team manager Scott Davagian said he was proud of the team effort and the fact that his team never gave up and fought to the wire.
Zach finished the game 3 for 4, with seven RBI and two home runs. Scotty Davagian went 3 for 4 and scored a run. Ryan Whitehouse caught for Putnam and called a great game for both pitchers.
Putnam has three teams in the Little League tournament this year. In addition to the 11/12 year old team there is a 9/10 year old team led by Aiden Ciquera and Colin Lacasse. They are currently 0-1 after losing a close game to Plainfield June 24. The 13/14 year old team features a host of talented players from the Putnam Middle School team and will start their tournament on July 1.