After losing to Newport in June, Bristol-Warren rattled off five consecutive wins, including two over Barrington, to earn the 12U District title.

They’ll now move on to play in the State Tournament at Wilson Park in North Kingstown on Saturday, July 25, at 4 p.m. against the District 1 winner.

“From top to bottom, these guys can all put the bat on the ball and they proved through out this District run,” said Bristol/Warren head coach Derek Salisbury. “Everybody stepped up and I couldn’t be more proud to manage and coach them.”

Francis bomb gives Bristol/Warren the lead in game two

Bristol/Warren bashed 16 hits during the two games. None was bigger than a bases-loaded bomb by Jude Francis with the District title on the line in the bottom of the fourth inning of game 2 at Vets Memorial Field in Bristol on Sunday. Barrington held a 2-0 lead and pitcher Seb Hyams (1 strikeout, 6 hits, 2 walks and 5 runs in 4 innings) walked cleanup hitter Jackson Case to load the bases with two-outs. Francis stepped to the plate and slammed Hyams first pitch down the right field line. It rolled to the fence as Jackson Adams, Logan Sheedy and Case all-scored to give Bristol/Warren an instant 3-2 lead. Francis took third base as the throw home clanged off the backstop. Bristol/Warren wasn’t finished with the inning as they added two more runs. Louie Botelho singled home Francis and Gavin Labolita doubled home Botelho to extend the lead to 5-2.

“It felt amazing,” said Francis after the victory. “I was thinking to get a hit and score everyone. I wanted to hit a home run, but it didn’t happen.”

“Jude’s hit, really broke the game open,” said Coach Salisbury. “He’s a great hitter. He has quick hands and a nice lefty swing. He’s been a solid piece of our lineup.”