Local briefs: Amherst Regional captures state middle school ultimate frisbee championship

The Amherst Regional middle school ultimate frisbee team placed first in the Middle School State Tournament in Devens on Sunday and are the new state champions.

The team cruised through pool play, defeating Brown Middle School, Greely Middle School and Four Rivers before facing a talented Shady Hill Middle School team in the finals.

Captain Ben Cianfrani-Shin led a balanced offense, with six different players throwing assists and eight different players catching goals in the final game.

The championship caps a remarkable season for the ARMS team, which finished with an overall record of 25–5, including 10 wins against high school teams. The Hurricanes placed sixth in their division at the Amherst Invitational high school tournament, third in their division at the Pioneer Valley Invitational tournament and won the Spirit Award in two major tournaments this spring.

Youth baseball

Amherst Orioles 12, Amherst Red Sox 11 — In a stunning comeback, the Amherst Orioles defeated the Amherst Red Sox 12-11 on Sunday afternoon at Mill River, capped by a walk-off single from Andy Rabinsky.

Down 11-5 entering the bottom of the sixth, the Orioles mounted a seven-run rally, showcasing relentless team effort at the plate. Rabinsky’s clutch hit with two outs and the bases loaded sealed the victory.

Ian Kim started on the mound for the Orioles, striking out eight over 3 1/3 innings, and led the offense with three hits (one triple) and two RBIs. Starting catcher Gabe Sommers scored three runs, doubled twice and pitched two innings, Liam Eddy added a key hit and two RBIs while Sean Kuusisto contributed a pair of hits and an RBI. Every Orioles batter reached base, combining for 10 hits and 10 walks in a true team performance.

Red Sox starter Walker Austin was dominant early, striking out nine and allowing just one earned run over 3 1/3 innings. Red Sox lead-off hitter Grant Charlebois shined both at the plate and at shortstop, going 3-for-4 with a triple and four runs scored. Theo Runyan added a double and drove in two runs as the Red Sox built an early lead.

The win marks the Orioles’ biggest comeback of the season.