East Greenwich Baseball Ends 28-Year Championship Drought

PROVIDENCE — Van Martin's final at-bat as a member of the East Greenwich baseball team will be etched in the memories of fans and players alike. The senior shortstop delivered a pivotal moment that secured the Avengers their first championship title in nearly three decades on Wednesday at Rhode Island College. Martin’s clutch RBI triple in the bottom of the sixth inning propelled East Greenwich to a thrilling 4-3 victory over West Warwick, finally ending a championship drought that had lasted 28 years.

With two outs on the board, pinch runner Clay Brumberger dashed home from second base, marking the winning run under the hot afternoon sun. Jaxson Ayotte then closed out the game with a flawless top of the seventh, solidifying the Avengers' triumph and overcoming the heartache of previous championship attempts. Despite a late rally from West Warwick, which briefly tied the game with two runs in the sixth, East Greenwich managed to hold on and join the ranks of former Class B champions from 1993 to 1998.

“Even better,” Martin exclaimed when asked if lifting the trophy matched his expectations. “I can’t describe it.” His decisive hit came on the first pitch from reliever Anthony Burt, whom West Warwick had relied on to stabilize their defense after a shaky start in the title series.

Anders Nelson, who initially held a strong lead for East Greenwich, faced challenges in the later innings, ultimately leading to the game's tense finish. After allowing two runs to score due to a crucial error, the pressure mounted, but Ayotte stepped in and managed to close the door on any further scoring threats from West Warwick.

“We trusted our ability,” Ayotte reflected after the game. “We trusted each other, relied on each other, and just got the job done.” With a final record of 19-5-1, East Greenwich can now celebrate a well-deserved title, revitalizing the pride of their baseball program.