The Cranston Western Little League Del’s Lemonade team topped Gershkoff 4-2 to win the Majors championship last week.

Gershkoff jumped out to an early 2-1 lead, but Del’s would bounce back and put up three runs in the fourth which would be enough to capture the title.

The 2024 spring was a big comeback year for Del’s, who went winless last season as a young group. The returning players were dominant this time around, going 17-1 and winning the title.

“It was very exciting. There was a lot of work that went in, but it was especially sweet given that last year we didn’t win a game. It was a big turnaround, and in that year’s experience, many kids made a big leap,” said Del’s manager Josh Wiedenroth. “Some put in the work in the offseason, some just grew physically. Some of it is having an understanding of that division, because the Majors is challenging. Moving up from AAA to Majors is challenging, and last year, most of them had never played in that division.”

That experience, along with selfless play, allowed Del’s to be the league’s best team from start to finish.

“They weren’t intimidated. They weren’t scared at the plate, they were taking their hacks, and they were doing anything they could to help the team win. Everybody embraced their role this year and that made a big difference,” Wiedenroth said.

Del’s was led by pitcher Brad Dempsey, who shook off a tough start in the championship to shut down the Gershkoff offense in the final four innings.

“He pitched a great game. He just settled in and starting pounding the zone. He had a phenomenal year and I was happy to see him close out the year that way,” Wiedenroth said. “And the thing that kept our team in it was their belief in themselves and their abilities. All year long, they knew if they stayed consistent, continued to do the little things, they’d come through. They kept taking swings, swinging at good pitches and making their plays in the field.”

Wiedenroth also credited assistant coaches Jason Keith, Keith Winters and Austin Wiedenroth, along with the Del’s parents.

“A lot of it was a product of great coaching in my assistants. They had these kids prepared. Everybody knew what the situation was and what it called for. Everybody just kept doing their job and we were able to close them out,” said Wiedenroth. “The parents were super supportive and I’m proud to say that the Del’s parents were tremendous this year. They were supportive to all the kids, not just the Del’s kids, either. We had a great relationship with the parents and the players.”

Members of the Del’s championship team included: Michael Bianco, Seth Curran, Brad Dempsey, Johnny Durante, Jacoby Hawksley, Jordan Keith, Johnny Martinez, Roberto Pereyra, Ace Torres, Jackson Wiedenroth and Nolan Winters. Coaches were manager Josh Wiedenroth and assistants, Jason Keith, Keith Winters and Austin Wiedenroth.