The first-ever 9- and-10-year-old Little League East Region Invitational Championship came home to Fairfield with the American League's victory over New York in the title game Saturday in Cranston, R.I. The all-stars ended a journey that began in June with district play in Bridgeport. Fairfield American defeated the Commack, N.Y., Little League 5-3, two days after defeating Massachusetts in the New England championship.
Manager Bill Meury said in the Cranston Herald that his team played "well under pressure."
"Theyve been like that all year. They keep their composure in big situations and I think thats why theyre able to win games like this," Meury said.
The East Region is the highest level of play for the 10-year-olds. The victory is one of many accomplishments this summer for the Fairfield American Little League, whose 11- and 12-year-old teams also won state titles. The 12s are currently playing in the New England Regional, with an eye on a trip to Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series.
Meury's 10-year-old team defeated Massachusetts 6-4 Friday to win the New England title. Against New York, the Connecticut champs took a 5-0 lead into the sixth inning, led by the strong pitching of Ryan Meury, who allowed just two hits. Meury turned the ball over to Matt Clarkin, who allowed two runs, and then Will Lucas came on and allowed one more while sealing the victory. Matt Kubel had two RBIs for Fairfield.
It was a terrific summer, and the kids worked really hard, Meury said. I suppose the lesson is, when you work really hard, youve got a chance to achieve great things. In terms of 10-year-olds, this would be considered a great thing.
The Fairfield American team finished the season 19-1 and were 6-0 in Cranston. This summer they won five banners: They were champions of District 2, Section 1, the state, New England and the East Region.
In addition to Meury, Clarkin, Lucas and Kubel, the team is made up of Henrik de Jounge, Danny Kiernan, Matt Landry, Sean Lynch, Drew McAvey, Chris Meyers, Biagio Paoletta and Patrick Steed. Coaching with Bill Meury were John Lucas, T.J. Paoletta and Mike Steed.
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