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WESTPORT, Conn. Westport Little League's 10-year-old All-Stars distinguished themselves in an unbeaten run to the District 2 championship. The team's run in the Section 1 tournament has been similarly impressive.
Westport clinched a berth in the championship game with a 12-0 victory Monday over North Stamford at Peter J. Foley Field in Naugatuck. Westport's win in four innings was its third mercy-rule win. It lost its only other game, an 11-10 setback to Edgewood.
Chad Knight belted a grand slam during an eight-run fourth inning to lead Westport. He had two hits, five RBIs and reached base three times in the abbreviated game. "The pitcher just left one up high, and I took advantage of it,'' Knight said. "I saw him in warm-ups, and I expected something high."
Knight's blast over the fence in left-center was the highlight of an aggressive Westport offense that ripped nine hits. Chris Drbal had a double and a single, and Drew Rogers reached base three times. Westport also took advantage of four North Stamford errors.
Pitcher Harry Azadian benefitted from the offensive assault, pitching three innings before getting relief help in the final inning from Alec Burns. Azadian struck out four and walked three.
"We've scored in the first inning in every game,'' said Westport manager Tim Rogers, whose team scored four times before North Stamford came to bat Monday night. "A few early runs puts you at ease and lets you relax a little bit."
Knight and Matt Stone had RBIs in the first inning as the first six Westport batters reached base. In the third, Jack Lieder and Drbal had RBIs before Knight's blast ended whatever suspense remained.
Westport expects to meet Edgewood in the championship game. Edgewood played in a game later Monday night.
"We're playing well now,'' said Knight, the probable pitcher in Wednesday's championship. "I think we have a good shot."
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