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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Fairfield American is used to winning with its power. But American didnt need home runs Saturday to notch another win in the District 1 Little League tournament. The defending champs improved to 2-0 in Section play with a 10-5 victory over North Stamford.
You cant live and die by the three-run homer, Fairfield American head coach Kevin Flynn said after the game. Id much rather have a game like this, where everybodys grinding it out and getting hits.
North Stamford was first on the scoreboard, taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on back-to-back doubles by Alex Mella and Grant Stone. But quick base-running on a passed ball by Connor Devaney and a two-run double by Sean Gutierrez put Fairfield American up 3-2 in the top of the second, and American would not give up the lead for the rest of the game.
Fairfield continued its uncharacteristic small ball throughout the game, improving its lead to 6-2 in the third with a string of four singles and a sac fly. American starter Eddie Schwartz developed control problems in the third, throwing two wild pitches with the bases loaded to give North Stamford two runs. But Brendan Laynes 3 ? innings of no-hit relief secured the game for American.
I got a lot of help from my fielders, Layne said after the game. [Aidan Kudzy] the catcher was setting up really good spots, Phil [Vlandis] made a really good play, and Jack [Oricoli] was great in center.
Saturdays win puts Fairfield American atop the Section 1 standings with a 2-0 record in round-robin play. It faces Berlin Sunday in Orange. North Stamford drops to 1-2 going into its final round robin game Monday.
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