Suncook Babe Ruth baseball completed another fine season in 2005, clinching a second straight Central New Hampshire League championship and finishing a second consecutive campaign without a loss at 18-0.

he boys of Suncook Babe Ruth completed their second straight unbeaten campaign on the diamond, which included a regular-season record of 15-0 that earned the team home field advantage in the 2005 postseason. This year's Suncook edition included, from left, coach Rick Demchak, Jake Demchak, Bryan Widell, Bryan Pahigian, Ben Mitchell and coach Keith Mitchell (Courtesy Photo)

Suncook faced tough teams from Northwood, Loudon and Chichester that fielded more competitive clubs than in prior seasons.

Rick Demchak and Keith Mitchell coached Suncook for the first two seasons and added Jim Plourde to the staff in '05.

Jake Demchak, Ben Mitchell, Bryan Pahigian and Bryan Widell were four veterans who played all three seasons that Suncook fielded a squad. Will Markow, also an original member, missed most of the '04 season due to injury.

Most of the games this season were closely contested. Suncook edged its competition largely because it had a staff that included six pitchers.

Ben Mitchell led the team with a 6-0 record and Bryan Pahigian was second at 5-0. Jake Demchak was 4-0 and, along with Mitchell, led the team in hitting. Steve Pahigian was 2-0, and Brandon Valley was 1-0. Markow had two saves.

Versatility was the key to another successful season; Suncook's athletes were able to play multiple positions each game.

Thomas Steele was strong at first base. Justin Blatsos, Jake Plourde, Markow, Will Cyr, Angelo Santiago and Widell rounded out the rest of the infield. Mike Verville rotated catching duties with Mitchell and Bryan Pahigian. Jonathan Grenier, Jake Demchak and Steve Pahigian patrolled the outfield.

After going 15-0 in the regular season, Suncook clinched home-field advantage for the playoffs. The boys hosted Loudon in the first round and won, 1-0, recording the only run on a Thomas Steele groundout, as Mitchell threw a three-hitter.

The finals were a best-of three series against Chichester. Suncook took the first game, 10- 4. In the second game, Suncook trailed going into the sixth, 7-6. The squad rallied behind Valley's bases-loaded single en route to an 11-7 triumph.

The win raised Suncook's streak to a record 36 straight wins. Overall, the team is a 46- 10 since its inception in '03.

Central New Hampshire Babe Ruth consists of players between the ages of 13 and 15. Suncook had players from Allenstown, Pembroke and Epsom.