Fairfield American One Game Away From New England Regionals

Saturday proved to be just another day at the office for the juggernaut wearing red, as the Fairfield American 12-year-old All-Stars put forth another explosive offensive display en route to a 15-4 triumph over Madison.

The victory in the opener of the Connecticut state championship series moved Fairfield American to within just one win of the New England Regionals, which begin Friday at the Bart Giamatti Little League Complex in Bristol.

Fairfield American will look to complete a sweep of the best-of-three series on  Sunday (12:30 p.m. , Blackham School). A third game, if necessary, would take place on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday's contest was halted after four innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

While Fairfield American (14-0) also has received stellar pitching during its summer run, the offense has been virtually unstoppable.  Saturday marked the 10th time in 14 games it has surpassed double figures in runs.

Fairfield American once again used its patented formula of strong pitching, sharp fielding and its ever potent lineup to post another convincing victory. Half of the 14 wins have come by 10 or more runs.

Eddie Magi, who stayed cool and composed on the the mound, was the beneficiary of an offense that never sleeps. Fairfield American took control early with a barrage of big hits.

"Eddie pitched a very smart game today," Fairfield coach Chris Daley. "He threw strikes, he trusted his teammates in the field, and he really did outstanding out there.

"Our defense was really solid too, with guys like Tommy Ryan at third base making some nice plays."

With a powerful offense behind him, Magi always is confident on the mound.

"I know my teammates will make great plays defensively, and when I'm pitching, I know our lineup is capable of scoring a lot of runs," he said. "It makes the job easier out there. I just focus on throwing strikes all game long."

Once again, Nick Nardone and Jack Quinn wielded big bats for Fairfield American . Each standout had a pair of hits, with Quinn punishing a first-inning fastball into the stands for a three-run shot to set the early tone.

Maji, Liam Worzel, and Connor Daley each delivered line-drive hits in the second to generate two more runs.

Nardone followed suit in the third inning, blasting a grand slam that gave Fairfield American plenty of breathing room.

In the fourth, Magi helped his own cause by smashing a deep drive over the center-field wall for a home run.

Quinn will be on the mound for Fairfield American on Sunday, when it hopes to punch its ticket to Bristol.

"Eddie  did a great job today relying on his curve ball to help us get the win," Quinn said. "We are determined to get it done tomorrow. I just have to pitch a solid game for us, so I'm focused on doing that."