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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Fairfield American Little League All-Stars showed the heart of a champion in the final two innings of Thursday's 8-7 loss to Rhode Island in the semifinals of the New England Regional. Unfortunately for the Americans, the first four innings decided the contest and ended their dream summer.
Fairfield fell behind 8-1 to the team from Cumberland, R.I., going into the fifth inning. Fairfield, which had thumped pitchers all summer in winning district, section and state tournaments, did not have a hit in the first four innings. Rhode Island starter Max Hanuschak, who got the win, struck out six and walked seven before leaving in the fifth without allowing a hit.
Fairfield responded with three runs in the fifth. Grant Carnemark's RBI double -- Fairfield's first hit of the game -- drove home the first run. Brendan Flynn followed with a two-run double.
After Reed Szemplinski retired Rhode Island in the top of the sixth, Fairfield continued its offensive resurgence. RBI singles by Carnemark and Flynn got Fairfield within 8-6, and Brendan Bucher got a run home with a fielder's choice. With the tying run on second, Rhode Island got the final out to stay alive and will play Massachusetts for the New England title Saturday. Massachusetts surprised top-seeded New Hampshire, 9-4, in the other semifinal.
Eddie Schwartz took the loss for Fairfield, surrendering one run in 1 1/3 innings. Jacob Glod hit a three-run home run in the second for Rhode Island, and Chris Wright slammed a two-run shot during a four-run fifth.
The loss ended another terrific summer for Fairfield American, which reached the World Series last year. The Americans finished the summer 18-4. It had its back to the wall several times, including the District 2 championship game against Fairfield National. With the best-of-3 series tied 1-1, American trailed in the sixth inning before its offense erupted for a 26-12 victory. It also lost the first game in the best-of-3 state championship series to Glastonbury before winning the next two to earn a return trip to Bristol.
What was your best memory of Fairfield American's run this summer? Start the discussion below!
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