Pitching and defense can carry a Little League team a long way in the heat of summer competition, which is why North Stamford looks like a solid contender for Section 1 honors. The District 1 champions open sectional play in Shelton at 6:30 p.m. against District 3 champion Shelton American.
North Stamford finished pool play 6-0 in the District 1 tournament. After beating Darien National, 3-0, in the semifinals, the team edged National Lione, 3-2, in nine innings. North Stamford allowed two runs or less in seven of its eight tournament games, including three shutouts.
The other component that makes North Stamford a threat to win the Section 1 crown is experience. The team reached the District final each of the past two years and most of the group has played together for a while. "We have 13 kids on the team, and 10 of them have been playing together since they were eight,'' manager Doug Horn said. "They know each other."
Kevin Stone started the District 1 title game. Peter Horn, Luke Dawson and Johnny Spoto also pitched during the districts. With a strong pitching staff and tight defense, Horn believes it will come down to hitting in the sectionals. "Good pitchers can sometimes minimize good hitting,'' said Horn. "You have to take advantage of your opportunities and don't wait too long. You can't let a good pitch go by, because it might be the only one you get."
North Stamford plays Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m., and Monday at 6:30 p.m. The Section 1 final is scheduled for Wednesday, July 28.
The rest of North Stamford's team includes Jeremy Benjamim, Joey Bonsanti, Liam Butler, Jeff Kurzman, Connor Matheny, Eddie Meizels, Kirk Meyer, Kevin Piotrzkowski and Stephan Unka. Horn's coaching staff includes Jim Matheny, Frank Spoto and Steve Dawson.
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