In an exhilarating match during the Senior League World Series, the Cherry Hill Atlantic 16U baseball team secured a remarkable walk-off victory against South Carolina, triumphing 6-5 on Tuesday, August 1. The game held in Easley, South Carolina, showcased a heart-stopping moment with a game-winning hit by Austin Hanni and an outstanding performance from reliever Aiden Ryder, who pitched three-and-a-third scoreless innings. Tristan Perry, Andrew Bechtel, and Ryder each delivered multiple hits, contributing to the team’s epic win, which witnessed four lead changes and an electrifying crowd.
This hard-fought triumph catapulted the 15-year-old and 16-year-old boys from Cherry Hill into the finals of the U.S. bracket. Set for this Friday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+, the finals will determine the winner of the U.S. bracket in this prestigious World Series tournament, who will then face the champion of the International bracket to claim the coveted title of World Champion.
“We’re exactly where we dreamed we’d be when this ride began in Cherry Hill,” exclaimed Team New Jersey Manager, Christian Carkeek. “We have put ourselves in the best position to win a tournament that features the best Senior League teams in the world.”
Cherry Hill’s journey to the World Series began with an impressive victory in the East Region Tournament held in Bangor, Maine. Before that, they secured triumphant wins in tournaments hosted in Cherry Hill, Wildwood, and Old Bridge.
Throughout this summer, the team has showcased an outstanding performance, winning 16 out of 17 postseason games, attributed to their strong pitching and an impressive display of hitting prowess.
Comprised of talented boys from Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League and Cherry Hill American Little League, as well as players from Cherry Hill East High School and Cherry Hill West High School, this team stands united and determined to continue their winning streak.
Carkeek emphasized, “This is the team’s final tournament—it’s the World Series. And we want to be the World Champions.”
The Senior League World Series is one of seven esteemed tournaments sponsored by Little League International.
Team members include Andrew Bechtel, Eric Brown, Brody Connors, Jimmy Farley, Kyle Fisher, Carter Gill, Brody Goldfarb, Mick Goldstein, Cole Haddock, Austin Hanni, Stephen Longo, Luciano Macri, Ryan Moyer, Tristan Perry, Aiden Ryder, Zach Salsbery, Manager Christian Carkeek, and Coaches Chandler Dunoff, Ben Keating, and Scott Burnham.
