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STAMFORD, Conn. North Stamfords bats were due to break out with a big game in the District 1 Little League tournament. Unfortunately for Stamford American, North Stamford finally showed its punch in the final pool play game for both teams Friday at the Springdale Little League field.
North Stamford defeated Stamford American, 11-5, to finish 4-0 in pool B of the tournament. It will be the No. 1 seed out of the pool for the elimination round, which begins Sunday. Stamford American finished 0-4.
Pitching and defense have carried us, North Stamford manager Gary Purpura said. We talked about it and we challenged them. We have kids who can hit on this team. We saw a glimpse of it tonight, but hopefully there is more to come.
Hunter Semmel had four hits to lead North Stamford, which trailed, 3-0, before erupting for four runs in the third inning, four more in the fourth and three in the fifth. Simon Uka had two hits and three RBIs, and Anthony Socci had two RBIs. North Stamford also took advantage of four Stamford American errors.
Weve been here before, Stamford American manager Chris Brecciano said. We had leads in some of the other games. We have to play solid defense and pitch. We know we can hit with anybody.
A solo home run by Danny Collazzo in the second and a two-run shot in third by Lewis Baer gave the Americans a 3-0 lead. North Stamford took the lead for good in the fourth when Uka and Socci drove home runs, and two more runs scored on an error on a ball hit by Cooper Healy.
Ukas two-run single in the fifth helped lead a four-run rally, and Dom Svrcek, who scored three runs, delivered a two-run single in the fifth.
North Stamford used a variety of pitchers to save its staff for the elimination round. Now the team will attempt to win its fourth straight District 1 title.
I think our best baseball is still ahead of us, Purpura said. Our goal was to advance, and were glad to be the No. 1 seed. Whoever we play, Im sure theyre going to be ready.
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