Sports
Telfer Pitches a Gem, but Avon Legion Ousted from State Playoffs
Avon High School ace strikes out nine in eight innings, but offense comes up short against defending state champion Branford.
Avon American Legion coach Brian Doyle chose to look at the bright side of his team’s two-and-out effort in the state tournament, and with good reason.
Avon reached its goal of tournament qualification in just its third year and threw a scare into defending state champion Branford Sunday before bowing, 2-1, at Palmer Field in Middletown.
Avon ace Brendan Telfer pitched eight innings and struck out nine.
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“Telfer had his ‘A’ game,” Doyle sid. “He had them off-balance and they have a great hitting team.
“I sent him a text last night. ‘Brendan, no pressure but the season rides on you tomorrow. We’re going to need a big effort.' Of course the next line said, ‘Ha-ha, just kidding,’ but he responded back, ‘Don’t worry coach. I’ll be ready,’ and he was. He was outstanding.”
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Doyle fought off tears after the game. He’s coached Telfer since he was 9.
“It’s probably our last game together and he was consistent,” Doyle said. “In big games, he’s always been there. He kept us in the game.”
Avon took a 1-0 lead in the first.
Tyler D’Onofrio reached on an error, stole second and scored on a two-out single to right-center by Connor Doyle.
The locals threatened in the third.
D’Onofrio cracked a one-out single and stole second. Chris Frask singled sharply to left and D’Onofrio stopped at third. Connor Doyle’s liner was snagged by third baseman Mike Forgione, who stepped on third to double up D’Onofrio.
Avon also mounted a threat in the seventh.
Andrew Livingstone singled up the middle and Cody Doyle was hit by a pitch. An error loaded the bases but Branford turned a 5-2-3 double play and D’Onofrio grounded out.
“Give them credit,” Coach Doyle said. “They’ve played in a lot of big games. It was a tough assignment but with a little luck …. We didn’t have the timely hit and they did.”
Branford tied the game in the second. Anthony Pellegrino singled, moved to second on a single by Jesse Castaldi and score on a bloop hit by Connor Moriarty.
The winning run came across in the fifth on Forgione’s RBI double after Moriarty reached on an error.
Avon finished the season at 20-9.
“We were not productive with runners on base,” Coach Doyle said. “Branford wasn’t much better. Avon competed well and I’m proud of these guys.”
Branford out-hit Avon, 9-6. Brian Levchuk earned the win.
