Pittsfield Babe Ruth 14s Lose, Stay Alive at New England Regional

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NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Smithfield, R.I., Babe Ruth 14-year-old All-Stars Sunday handed Pittsfield a 7-4 loss in the pool play finale at the New England Regional Championship.
 
The Pittsfield Babe Ruth 14s (2-1) advance to Monday morning’s bracket play, where they will face Brattleboro, Vt., at 10 a.m. for a berth in the regional semi-final.
 
The Rhode Islanders Sunday scored four runs in the bottom of the third to erase a 2-1 deficit and takes  three-run lead they never relinquished.
 
Smithfield was up by four going to the top of the seventh, when Pittsfield loaded the bases with two out and got a walk from Matt Keegan to drive in a run.
 
One batter later, Smithfield pitcher Tim Bradley induced a flyball out to end the game.
 
Pittsfield’s offense was led by Jack Wendling, who went 3-for-4.
 
Kevin Smith was 2-for-2 with a triple, and Jace Coco doubled in the loss.
 
Smith, Jonathan Parsons and Keegan split time on the mound for PIttsfield, combining to allow four earned runs.
 
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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