Lincoln Little League, representing the state of Rhode Island, needed just five innings to take down Bangor East (Maine) 14-3 on Friday in the first game of the New England regional tournament at the Giamatti Little League Center in Bristol, Conn.
Rhode Island plated two runs in the second, six in the third and four in the fourth before pushing the margin over 10 with a two-run fifth inning.
Alex Cronin slugged two homers for Rhode Island, including a third-inning grand slam. Also getting in on the long-ball action were Brian Jannetti and Jake Petrin, who each launched solo shots. Rhode Island pitcher Jeffery Sheehan kept the Maine bats at bay by striking out seven batters in 3 2/3 innings.
