Manchester Riding 'Out Of Body' Experience To LL World Series

MANCHESTER, CT — Accolades from all over the state have been pouring throughout the New England Regional Tournament to the Manchester players who have already clinched a spot in the Little League World Series. There have also been the matters of taping player bios and the national television exposure.

Yes, there is one more game to play in the New England Regional in Bristol — against either New Hampshire or Massachusetts Saturday, but the reality of a trip to Williamsport, PA and the series is certainly setting in.

"It's been an out of body experience," said Paul Rubin, a longtime coach in the Manchester system who has worked with manager Rob Rastelli this season. "But we're thrilled to be where we are."

The team is currently in what Rubin has dubbed "the Bristol Bubble," at the Giamatti Little League Center as part of the tournament strict coronavirus protocol, so there has been a lot of time to reflect on what is a different type of tournament. With no international teams this season, two squads from the New England are headed to the series.

Rubin said it is nice to have a no-pressure game this weekend, but added Manchester still wants to win. He did add, though, the clincher against Peabody, MA, left a good feeling that will linger.

Ironically, the game began with the only trouble for Manchester's Jacob Budarz, who gave up three runs in the first inning.

He did settle down after that and pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

Budarz made up for it by singling in the second, which, combined with hits from Eli Bucko and Ryan Gorman, accounted for two runs to cut the deficit to 3-2 after two.

In the fourth, a walk by Alex Rastelli and 2-run home run by Budarz made it 4-3 Manchester.

The locals tacked on three more in the sixth as Rastelli singled, Arlen Peyman reached on an error and a single by Budarz, a double by Gorman and and single by Paul Virdokian drove in three to make it 7-3, Manchester.

Arlen gave up just one run in pitching the final 2 2/3 for the 7-4 final.

"We did have a season last year, so the kids have been playing baseball," Rubin said. "But the goal is to win the district and we did that."

He thought for a moment and added, "And here we are, now, going to Williamsport. It's a good feeling."

Manchester begins play in the Little League World Series on Thursday.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to help cover travel expenses, and on Friday afternoon, supporters had contributed nearly $11,568

See the donation page here.

The Manchester Police Department congratulates Manchester Little League on clinching their spot in the New England Region Championship! To the boys in red from the men and women in blue - GOOD LUCK IN WILLIAMSPORT! pic.twitter.com/NuIeGa2GIr
— Manchester Police Department (@manchester_pd) August" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/manchester... 12, 2021