Staples (Westport) topped Hall 6-2 on Tuesday afternoon in West Hartford in a CIAC Class LL second round game.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Scott Sulkazi

Hall stayed within striking distance for much of the afternoon, but a late offensive surge by Staples proved to be the difference as the Titans fell 6-2 Tuesday in a hard-fought contest.

The Titans got off to a strong start, scoring in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Hall added another run in the second and held a 2-1 advantage through the early stages of the game thanks to solid pitching and timely defense.

Hall’s pitching staff kept the Wreckers in check for most of the afternoon. After Staples scored a run in the second inning, the Titans continued to make key plays in the field and limited scoring opportunities through the middle innings.

The game remained tight heading into the sixth inning, with Hall still holding a one-run lead. However, Staples finally broke through, scoring two runs in the top of the sixth to move in front 3-2. The Wreckers then added insurance in the seventh, putting together a four-run inning to extend their lead and take control of the game.

Hall finished with five hits offensively. Jeff Niman led the way at the plate, collecting multiple hits and providing a spark for the Titans’ offense. Max Hanawalt also contributed with a hit and an RBI, while Kyle Sharkey, Louis Sauer, and James Alerte each added hits of their own.

The Titans had opportunities throughout the game but were unable to capitalize on several scoring chances against a Staples pitching staff that settled in after the first two innings. Hall managed just three hits over the final five innings as the Wreckers’ pitchers worked out of trouble and prevented the Titans from extending their lead.

On the mound, Hall used a combination of Kyle Sharkey, Matt Labreck, Louis Sauer, and Alexandre Rebours. Sharkey got the start and helped Hall navigate the opening innings before LaBreck came on in relief. Sauer provided valuable work on the mound as well, keeping the Titans within reach before Staples’ late rally.

Defensively, Hall battled throughout the game and made several routine plays behind its pitchers. The Titans committed one error, matching Staples, but the visitors were able to take advantage of key opportunities in the final two innings.

Despite the loss, Hall showed plenty of positives early in the game, building a lead against a strong Staples team and receiving contributions from several players throughout the lineup. The Titans’ ability to compete closely through five innings demonstrated their resilience and potential moving forward.

In the end, Staples’ late offensive outburst made the difference, turning a one-run game into a 6-2 victory. Hall will look to build on its early success and bounce back in its next contest as the Titans continue their season.

Despite the season ending just a few games short of a state championship appearance, Hall’s 2026 campaign will be remembered as one of the program’s most successful in recent years. The Titans captured a CCC Championship, battled through a challenging schedule, and consistently found ways to win in big moments throughout the spring – including a first-round 4-2 win over Shelton on Monday. Led by a talented senior class and a deep roster that contributed all season long, Hall finished with an impressive record and established itself as one of the top teams in Connecticut. While the loss to Staples marks the end of the journey, the Titans leave behind a season filled with memorable performances, resilience, and accomplishments that will be remembered for years to come.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.