By ALEX SPONSELLER Gershkoff Auto came up short in last week’s RI 19-20 Elite League finals against Upper Deck, who topped them in two games in the best of three series. Upper Deck handed Gershkoff losses of 6-0 and 2-1, with Game 2 requiring an extra inning of play.

The RI 19-20 Elite League is a one-off league that was established and played by the state’s typical American Legion teams. Since American Legion cancelled the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these teams joined forces to make sure summer baseball would be played.

This is the third straight year that Gershkoff and Upper Deck squared off in the finals and the third straight win for the latter group.

One difference between this league and the normal American Legion setup is that college players were allowed to compete, which ultimately was an advantage for Upper Deck who cruised to the first victory and held off Gershkoff for the second.

“It is what it is, I knew going into it that they were going to have some really good players. I was not surprised at all. I knew that even though we had a strong record throughout the season going into this, and although we had the No. 1 seed, they just had so much talent. Half their infield pretty much was DIvision I talent. Year in and year out it’s us versus them and they always get us. One of these days,” said Gershkoff manager Dave Schiappa after the loss.

The star of the show for Gershkoff was Game 2 pitcher Noah Cook, who was on the mound for 6 ? innings and allowed just one run to the explosive Upper Deck lineup. However, Upper Deck was able to load the bases in the eighth inning and have the winning run walked in to clinch the three-peat and cement its place as one of the top Legion clubs in state history.

Schiappa was proud of Cook’s performance and for keeping his club within striking distance.

“He’s a fighter, he’s a gamer. He had not played anywhere in high school or college and came out here pitched lights out,” said Schiappa.

As the college kids get set to say bye to Legion ball, Schiappa appreciated the time he spent with them and looks forward to working with next year’s bunch.

“These guys that are moving on are all great kids with great stories,” said Schiappa. “We have a good nucleus for next year, so we’re going to just keep on trucking.”