Verona’s Aidan Williams made just one mistake on the mound.

Middleton’s Aiden Cleary blasted a two-run home run to left in the bottom of the second inning off Williams to propel the 29ers to a 2-1 win over the Cavaliers in a Home Talent League championship game on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Sorenson-Bakken Field.

“Sometimes all it is is one pitch in a baseball game,” Williams said. “You can’t change that. Hats off to them. All streaks come to an end.”

Verona (15-2) was seeking a fourth straight title and had its 15-game winning streak snapped. Middleton finished the season 18-0 and also won the Night League championship.

“It’s the standard,” Williams said of winning the championship every year. “We have a bullseye on our back at the beginning of the year. Teams get excited with making the Final Four and we will be upset with losing it.”

Middleton pitcher Drew Farrell tossed a four-hitter and limited the Cavaliers to one run. Farrell breezed through the first three innings, retiring the first nine batters he faced. Verona didn’t get a baserunner until the top of the fourth when Justin Scanlon led off with a double to right center. David Lund reached on an error. James Rae knocked in Scanlon on a fielder’s choice.

Middleton shortstop Dylan Klock made several web gems in the field to support Farrell. Klock made a stop deep in the hole and threw out a runner at first base. He also made a leaping catch.

Verona had a couple of scoring chances late. Ryan Ambrosy had a lead-off single in the top of the eighth. Pinch-hitter Derek Burgenske then lined into a double play.

“It was just balls hit right at guys and they made some nice plays,” Scanlon said. “(He (Farrell) is just a wily vet who kept us off-balance enough and mixed in enough breaking balls.”

The 29ers had a golden opportunity to add to their lead in the bottom of the eighth after loading the bases. Williams then struck out Easton Zemple to end the threat without giving up a run.

The Cavaliers had one final comeback bid in the ninth. Rae singled to left and Colby Davis reached on an error. Mason Fink walked to load the bases. Williams then flew out to left.

Williams pitched eight innings and gave up two runs on four hits, while striking out six and walking three and hitting one.

“Aidan did a great job and kept us in it,” Scanlon said. “He battled his tail off.”