Westport American Looking To Advance In District Two Little League Tournament

With a win against North End of Bridgeport on Saturday, the Westport American Little League team will clinch a berth in the double elimination semifinals of the District Two tournament.

Westport American is 3-1 in pool play in the "Red" group, beating Stratford, 10-0, Trumbull, 8-3, and North End, 9-4. Its one loss was a 10-0 defeat to Fairfield National, which is 4-0. North End is 2-2.

Saturday's contest, which is the final game in the round robin portion of the tournament, is set for noon at Bridgeport's Blackham Field.

There's a chance Westport American could advance even with a loss, but with a win it won't have to worry about potential tiebreakers, such as run differential.

The team, comprised of All-Star players chosen from within the Westport American Little League, has been practicing  every day since June 15. Westport American is seeking its first District Two title in the major division (11-12-year-olds) since 2003.

"It's a good goal," said coach Tom Whelan, a CPA when he's not coaching. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, but  they know they're doing something special. They're playing on an All-Star team. They have that ability."

Catcher-first baseman Ian Burns has been one of the big hitting stars for Westport American so far in the tournament with three home runs and also pitched a complete game against Stratford.

Garrett Stonehouse, who primarily plays shortstop, fell a single shy of the cyle in the earlier game against North End. Outfielder Justin Ludel has been the table-setter in the leadoff spot in the lineup, frequently getting on base, and Whelan's son, Connor, catches and plays third base.

"We have a good core group," Whelan added. "The first four or five can really get on base."

To break up the monotony of daily practices, Whelan has had high school players come in and pitch to his players. One of them is Staples pitcher Rob Gau, who won a District title during his Little League days.

"They loved (facing high school pitchers)," Whelan said. "They had the adrenaline going."

If Westport American advances, it will play again on Monday and Tuesday.

The District tournament is but the first step in a lengthy summer-long journey to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Each of 11 district winners in Connecticut move on to one of two sectional tournaments. The sectional winners clash in a  two-out-of-three series to determine the state champion.

The next tier of playoffs is the New England Regionals, which takes place annually at the Bart Giamatti Little League complex in Bristol, Connecticut, named after the former Major League Baseball commissioner.

Finally, eight regional winners from around the country qualify for Williamsport, where they will be joined by eight teams from outside the United States.  The 2010 Little League World Series begins on August 20.