MONMOUTH – For the third year in a row, Monmouth has captured the championship in the Apple Valley Babe Ruth baseball playoffs. The No. 3 seed went 3-0 in claiming the crown.

Monmouth opened with a thrilling 9-8 victory over No. 6 Sabattus. Erik Murphy was the winning pitcher with fine relief help from Ronnie Hobson in the seventh. Devin Robbins sparked the offense with 3 hits. Eric Smith contributed a double and single. Ethan Guerette, who pitched 4 strong innings, and Brandon Plourde both whacked a double and single for Sabattus.

In a semifinal contest, Robbins hurled a complete game 6-hitter as Monmouth beat No. 2 Winthrop 7-5. Robbins, who fanned 4, aided his cause by collecting a triple, 2 doubles and a single at the plate. He knocked in 3 runs. Tim Thompson added a pair of 2-baggers. Dan Sottan was a repeat hitter for Winthrop, a team that finished 10-5.

In the championship game, Monmouth raced to an 11-2 victory over No. 4 Readfield. Hobson hurled the first 6 innings, scattering 7 hits and fanning 6. Lefty Josh Boisvert retired the side in order in the seventh. Robbins again led the offense with 3 singles and 2 RBI. Smith and Hobson both collected 2 hits and 2 RBI. Parker Ferland was also a repeat hitter and Thompson legged out a triple. Billy Irwin, Craig Maffei and Justin Denbow all belted a double and single for Readfield (10-6).

Other members of the championship Monmouth team (12-5) are Mackenzie Tozier, Garrison Beck, Mike Lindholm, Zach West and Tyler Somerville, Head coach is Dave Jordan, assisted by Heath Crocker, Tom Beckwith, Larry Saucier and Chris Murphy.