Fairfield National eyes Little League World Series title; team 1 win away from US championship game
FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (WABC) -- The wins keep coming for the Fairfield National Little League team, and now they're just one win away from the U.S. championship game in the Little League World Series.
Timely hitting is why Fairfield National rolled to a blowout win over South Dakota Monday night in the Little League World Series, creating excitement back home.
"It's really cool to see the kids I know playing out there, and winning, and I hope they make it all the way," said Fairfield resident Tucker Grega.
"I watched the game when they played Hawaii. I thought they did amazing," said Fairfield resident Zakiya Jones. "I actually got a little tearful at the end when they won. It's just so special to see little kids doing what they love."
The team of 11 and 12-year-olds is representing the metropolitan region. They have won three straight since arriving in Williamsport, and even got to hang out with some big leaguers.
"It was great. We came, watched some games, got to sit with them, autographs, got to take pictures with them," said Fairfield pitcher and shortstop SJ Taxiltaridis.
Fairfield is looking to become the first team from Connecticut to win the title since Trumbull did in 1989.
"I think it's great. I think it brings back a lot of interest from me playing here 60 years ago. I think it's fantastic for the kids, the coaches and for the the town itself," said Fairfield resident Tom Davis.
Over the last three years, the team has gone 40-0 in Connecticut, winning state titles in the 10, 11, and 12-year-old divisions, but the competition in Williamsport is on a whole other level.
"It's out of 6,000 teams, so it's special," said Fairfield head coach Brian Palazzolo.
The squad whose motto is "no days off," practiced three hours a day, seven days a week leading up to the tournament, which has been just as memorable off the field.
"Literally we're sharing a dorm with Panama, Hawaii, Puerto Rico is right above us... making friends, trading pins... I just can't wrap my head around it, it's unbelievable," Palazzolo said.
The team will face Summerlin South from Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
The winner will advance to the U.S. championship game.
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