Reston National Wins 2012 Starliper Tourney

Reston Little League's AAA Reston Nationals won the Starliper Tournament Tuesday, defeating Vienna 10-4 at Fred Crabtree Park in Vienna.

The Nationals were down 1-0 early, but then scored two runs of their own to set the tone for the game. Vikrant Magadi took the mound for the Nationals and worked into the sixth inning, when he reached his pitch limit with one out.

Vikrant went to the dugout with a 10-4 lead and Wilson Seneca took the mound to close the game. With two outs, and runners on first and second, Vienna hit a hard shot to shortstop Remmy Carpenter, who stopped the ball from reaching the outfield and threw to Arvind Rathnashyam at third base to get the lead runner and secure the Starliper Championship.

Ben Kobayashi, Conor Brennan and Christian Tesnow had some quality defensive plays to limit Vienna hitters and baserunners. Druv Sardana, Chris Janssen, Shane Stiehl, Zach Messaros and Michael Michallas all hit well. Catcher Michael Michallas  severely limited the Vienna baseruners from advancing.

Earlier in the tournament, Reston breezed through the first game, beating Mason District 16-4. In the semifinals, the Nationals defeated a tough Great Falls squad, 7-5. Arvind Rathnashyam pitched five complete innings and yielded only four runs. Christian Tesnow closed the game.

Wilson Seneca anchored the defense by playing a flawless shortstop and Conor Brennan had a diving catch in center field to rob Great Falls of a run and a baserunner and followed up with a three-run, inside-the-park home run.

The Nationals are coached by manager Aaron Tesnow; assistant manager Will Hilder; and assistant coaches Rich Stiehl and George Michallas. Their generous sponsor is Suzanne Hilder - Coldwell Banker.

Team roster:  Michael Michallas, Ben Kobayashi, Christian Tesnow, Arvind Rathnashyam, Wilson Seneca, Vikrant Magadi, Remmy Carpenter, Shane Stiehl, Zach Messaros, Chris Janssen, Druv Sardana, Joseph Sleeper, Conor Brennan, Jake Stiehl.