06/10/2026
The Wallingford Cardinals 8U Red closed out the regular season at 13-2 (14-2 overall) with a four-game sweep over Bluefish Travel (16-1, 14-11) and Trumbull Travel (6-2, 12-3).
The offense was outstanding, with all 11 players batting over .300 for the weekend. Leading the way were Eli Slater (.778, 1 2B, 1 3B), Bryce McDade (.750, 3 2B, 9 RBI), Greg Peterson (.636, 3 2B, 5 RBI), Bryce Peterson (.500, 3 2B, 1 3B, 7 RBI), Elliot Grant (.444, 1 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI), and RJ Barbuto (.429). Carter McDade added two doubles, while Deegan Millspaugh and Mac Murrati delivered key hits.
On the mound, Ari Patel threw a complete-game win with 9 strikeouts against Bluefish. RJ Barbuto and Elliot Grant combined for 11 strikeouts in Game 2. Against Trumbull, Bryce Peterson earned the win, while Rowan Keirn added 3.2 scoreless innings in relief. In the finale, Eli Slater struck out 7 over 3 scoreless innings, and Deegan Millspaugh impressed in his first pitching appearance, striking out 5.
The highlight came against Bluefish Travel in game 2 when the Cardinals erased an 11-1 deficit with one out in the fifth inning, scoring 13 runs to complete an incredible walk-off comeback. Bryce Petersonβs game-winning double capped a rally fueled by determination, belief, and a little Cardinals candy magic. πβΎπ«
The Cardinals have secured the No. 2 seed, a first-round bye, and a home playoff game Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 AM at Harrison Park as they head into the postseason with plenty of confidence and momentum. π₯πβΎ