Fairfield Cuts Monroe's Surge Short

At a perfect 3-0 heading into Thursday afternoon's tilt against Fairfield in District Two Little League competition, Monroe was ready to roll.

Unfortunately, they ran into a virtual buzzsaw of a ball club, as undefeated Fairfield, which has smashed its way past opponents thus far this summer, worked its way to an 11-0 win in a game cut short in the fourth amid the Little League mercy rule.

Monroe starter Patrick Ryan worked hard all day on the mound, but the bats of Monroe (3-1) were rendered silent amid the perfect game gem provided by Fairfield starter Nick Nardone.

Nardone fanned 11 Monroe batters, and his teammates from Fairfield (4-0) were a menace inside the batter's box all afternoon.

"They were really good at the plate all day, and their lineup had a lot of talent and balance," said Ryan. "Either way, we are keeping a positive outlook. We just need to get back out there and focus on winning next time we play."

Fairfield relied upon a six-run first inning to get things going towards their fourth win in as many tries, and a big five-run third inning signaled the end to the game.

Connor Daley spearheaded the Fairfield offense with two big base hits on the day.

With no Monroe bats able to produce base hits or induce walks, the game was concluded amid an 11-0 Fairfield win thru four frames of action.

"Our guys worked hard out there, and I know we will hit better in the future. We just have to move on from this one," said Ryan.