Dolphins Seal Three-Peat in Thrilling City Series Finals

The Dolphins have etched their name into Malden Youth Baseball history with their third consecutive championship victory, capping off a stellar 10–2 regular season and a dramatic postseason run that showcased grit, talent and heart.

Led by seasoned third-year players Jacob Christie, Michael Menard and Nick Cook-Tran, the Dolphins once again dominated the field. These three have never known anything but victory, having lifted the championship trophy every year of their tenure. They were joined by returning champions Dmitri Camell and Lorenzo Solis — both securing their second straight title — and all five earned spots on the All-Star roster representing Malden in an exhibition series against East Boston and Revere. Fresh talent added a spark to the squad, with 11-year-old Giovanni Cambriello and an eager-to-learn group of 10-year-olds — Christopher Faria, Levi Kruckenberg, James Melendez, Jaxon Nickerson and Ramon Ostolaza — stepping up throughout the season.

City Series Highlights

As regular season leaders, the Dolphins earned a first-round bye and watched as the Dodgers upset an undermanned Red Sox squad. In their semifinal match-up, the Dolphins unleashed a shutout masterpiece. Jacob Christie pitched five dominant innings, allowing just one single while striking out 14. He also led the offense with two triples and a single. Cook-Tran added two doubles, and Camell chipped in with a double. Final score: Dolphins 10, Dodgers 0.

Coach Julio Rivera’s squad rebounded with a victory over the Dodgers in Round 3, setting the stage for an epic championship face-off. With elimination looming, the Red Sox needed two consecutive wins against the undefeated Dolphins — no small task.

The Final Showdown

Fans were treated to arguably the most intense game of the year. Christie and Red Sox ace Tommy Sewell went pitch-for-pitch in a six-inning duel. Sewell allowed just two hits and one run early on, while the Red Sox took a 3–1 lead in the third behind aggressive baserunning by Brady Sullivan and Anthony Ducasse.

But the Dolphins responded in kind, with Cook-Tran doubling home Menard and Christie to tie the game 3–3 after three innings. The score remained unchanged over the next three innings.

Christie, nearly unhittable, finished regulation with 17 strikeouts and zero walks across six innings. Sewell was equally impressive, striking out 16 and walking four.

In extra innings, Cook-Tran took over on the mound for the Dolphins, quickly extinguishing Red Sox hopes with a walk followed by three consecutive strikeouts. The bottom of the seventh brought heart-pounding drama. With two outs, Christie reached on an error. Cook-Tran singled. Camell laid down a textbook bunt to load the bases. Cambriello then put the ball in play, and Christie dashed home for the walk-off score, sealing the Dolphins’ dynasty with a 4–3 championship victory.