Fairfield National Advances to Little League World Series with Metro Region Title

The Fairfield National Little League baseball team from Connecticut secured a decisive 12-1 victory over New York's St. James-Smithtown to win the Metro Region championship and earn a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Fairfield displayed strong offense with seven runs in one inning and a total of 14 hits, while pitcher Luca Pellegrini struck out nine and allowed only one hit. This marks the first time since 2017 that a Connecticut team has advanced to the World Series, becoming the 22nd team from the state to do so. Fairfield had to overcome an earlier loss to St. James-Smithtown and a tough extra-inning elimination game win against Jackson Holbrook of New Jersey, highlighted by strong pitching and defensive plays, including multiple diving catches by center fielder Dante Madera. The Little League World Series begins on August 13, with Fairfield scheduled to play Richmond, Texas in their opening game. The Fairfield team's recent success continues a notable tradition of Connecticut teams competing at high levels in national Little League tournaments.