48°
FAIRFIELD, Conn. Anna Rasmussen slammed a two-run double to chase in the go-ahead and winning runs in the fifth inning Friday night as Fairfield defeated Maine, 7-6, to win the New England Region softball championship in Bristol.
Fairfield plays New York Saturday at 4 p.m. in Bristol for the East Region championship. The winner goes to the World Series next month in Portland.
In one of the most dramatic games of the tournament, Fairfield took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning, fell behind when Maine scored three runs in the fourth and responded in the fifth to knock off its opponent.
Alice Nelson and Sarah Cotto singled to open the fifth. After an out, Rasmussen worked a full-count before stroking her big hit. Nelson and Cotto scored to put Fairfield ahead for good.
Brittany Romero pitched four innings to get the victory. She started and pitched two innings before being relieved by Alice Nelson. Romero came back in to pitch in the fifth.
Cotto had two hits and scored two runs for Fairfield. Rasmussen had three RBIs. Keeping with its aggressive style on the base paths, Fairfield stole seven bases, including two apiece by Romero and Gabby Natoli.
New York advanced to the East Region championship with a 5-3 win over New Jersey. The New York All-Stars, from New City, are a surprise winner after going 2-2 in pool play to finish third in the Mid-Atlantic Region. It knocked off No. 2 Pennsylvania and No. 1 New Jersey to win the title.
Follow us on Facebook!
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.
