The Fairfield 9-10-year-old softball team won its second straight game via the mercy rule Monday in the East Region Invitational in Fleetsville, Pa. The Fairfield All-Stars conquered Cumberland, R.I., 15-5, in four innings.
Fairfield plays Maine Tuesday at 8 p.m. in its third game. The top two teams from New England advance to single elimination play on Friday. They will go up against the top two teams from the Mid-Atlantic Region. If Fairfield wins on Tuesday, it will secure a spot in the elimination round.
"I think we're in the driver's seat, and we control our own destiny,'' assistant coach Doug Romero said.
After Rhode Island scored two runs in the top of the first off of Brittany Romero, Fairfield answered quickly. A sacrifice bunt by Anna Rasmussen and an RBI single by Michaela O'Donnell tied the game. Fairfield took control with six runs in the second, as Fairfield took advantage of eight walks.
Rhode Island scored three in the third. Fairfield responded again with five runs, led by singles by Romero, Mary Rose Finnigan, Kayla Bivens and Megan Belinsky. Fairfield put the game away in the fourth with two more runs. Rasmussen's RBI double and O'Donnell's RBI single delivered runs. Shannon McCartney walked in the inning, and took a base on balls on all four trips to the plate.
Doug Romero figures to get a challenge from Maine. The start to the tournament, however, could not be any better. "The girls look focused,'' Romero said. "They're playing with a lot of confidence, and everyone is contributing."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.