Fairfield American Too Hot for Monroe to Handle

With a flawless five wins in as many tries against other teams, the Monroe American Little League team has enjoyed a very successful summer.

The only problem for this strong ball club is they have had to face juggernaut Fairfield American twice, and Thursday afternoon's game produced a 10-0 road defeat at the hands of their undefeated counterparts from Fairfield.

"We really stick together every time we take the field, and I'm extremely proud of how our guys fight hard every game," said Monroe head coach Bill Duignan. "Fairfield is a very talented team, and even though we haven't beaten them this summer, we always play hard against them. Our guys never quit."

Monroe (5-2) generated some impressive at-bats on the afternoon, but could not string together enough timely hits to get on the scoreboard.

Fairfield (7-0) starter Nick Nardone was on fire, twirling a no-hitter thru three innings of work. Once Fairfield reliever Eddie Magi entered the game, Monroe started to generate some strong hitting.

Justin Young smashed a double for Monroe, Bill Duignan laced a line-drive single, and Nicky Maini blasted a double over six frames of action.

"We had a few good at-bats, but overall, we need to get our bats off our shoulders and just keep working hard out there," said Jay Buhlmann.

The golden opportunity for Monroe came in the fifth inning, with two runners on and one out.

A line-drive to short stop was scooped up with prowess by Nardone though, and the Fairfield short stop glided over the second place bag before firing to first for the crucial unassisted double play.

For a Monroe ball club that will return to action this afternoon against Westport, there is no time or desire to wallow in defeat.

"It was a rough game for us, but we have a good team with great chemistry," said Zac O'Gull. "I really think we will bounce back from this one."