Lincoln Little League’s bid to advance in the Metro Regional run in Saturday when New York state champion Port Washington produced a steady attack and left Bristol with a 10-3 victory at Leon J. Breen Field.
Early pressure puts Lincoln behind
Port Washington struck quickly. Left fielder Carlo Cafferata opened the scoring with a run-scoring double in the top of the first inning, and first baseman Max Dempsey followed with a bases-loaded fielder’s choice that put the Long Island side up 2-0.
The visitors extended their lead in the third inning when third baseman Jack Gomez delivered a long single that produced two runs and pushed the advantage to 4-0. Port added two more in the frame on a combination of advancing runners and an RBI walk, creating a 6-0 cushion that Lincoln could not overcome.
Lincoln scratches across runs but lefties limited
Rhode Island’s offense eventually reached the scoreboard when pitcher Tucker Choiniere hit an RBI double in the bottom of the third, scoring Adrian Duffney. Choiniere later came around on a fielder’s choice after advancing to third on a groundout, trimming the deficit to 6-2.
Overall, Lincoln’s offense was handled by a combination of Port pitching and situational defense. According to team reports, only Hugo Fiero, Adrian Duffney and Choiniere recorded hits for Lincoln.
Pitching and adversity for Port Washington
Port’s starting pitcher, Drew Theoharis, worked three innings and finished his outing with three strikeouts and one hit allowed before handing the ball to Cafferata. The New York side absorbed a weather delay of about 75 minutes in the fifth inning but regrouped when Cafferata struck out Lincoln’s Jackson Lockhart to end a threatening frame.
Port continued to add insurance runs in later innings: second baseman Jackson Gorynski added an RBI double in the fourth, and shortstop Brandon Kien drove in two in the final inning after reaching on a single.
What’s next for Lincoln
Lincoln is scheduled to return to action Sunday night in Bristol. The team will face the loser of the Connecticut–New Jersey matchup in an elimination game, with the winner advancing and the loser sent home. The immediate focus for Lincoln’s coaching staff and families will be recovery from Saturday’s loss and preparation for a quick turnaround.
- Final score: Port Washington 10, Lincoln (R.I.) 3
- Location: Leon J. Breen Field, Bristol, Conn.
- Key Rhode Island hitters with recorded hits: Hugo Fiero, Adrian Duffney, Tucker Choiniere
| Team | Runs | Notable contributors |
|---|---|---|
| Port Washington (NY) | 10 | Carlo Cafferata, Max Dempsey, Jack Gomez, Drew Theoharis |
| Lincoln (R.I.) | 3 | Tucker Choiniere, Hugo Fiero, Adrian Duffney |
Local perspective and implications
For Lincoln and the broader Rhode Island Little League community, the loss is a setback but not uncommon in regional play, where single-elimination pressure and long travel can influence results. The team’s ability to regroup quickly will determine whether it can extend its stay in Bristol. Parents, teammates and coaches who traveled with the squad will be focused on rest, review of Saturday’s game and situational work ahead of the Sunday evening matchup.
Local supporters can follow the team’s progress through regional game schedules and local broadcast partners. With Rhode Island clubs regularly competing in New England and Metro brackets, experience gained at this level often contributes to player development and future district campaigns.
Lincoln Little League remains in the tournament bracket and will have one more chance to keep its season alive in the scheduled elimination game Sunday at 7 p.m. in Bristol.
This coverage is based on game reports from local and regional outlets and team information released ahead of and following the game.
