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STAMFORD, Conn. The District 1 Little League championship game will be all about Stamford. The Little Leaguers from North Stamford and National Lione have touted equally dominant offenses and stellar pitching throughout pool play and the elimination rounds, each sitting with a 6-1 record. National Lione has outscored opponents, 67-17, while North Stamford has outpaced its foes, 52-26. With two teams so even, who will blink first Sunday at 4 p.m. at Scalzi Park?
Recent history suggests that National Lione, managed by Billy DeVito, has the upper hand. Lione was the only team that found a chink in North Stamford's armor, beating its town rivals, 4-1, back on July 7. Lione's only loss came against Redding on July 9. It cruised past Wilton to reach the finals and will start its ace pitcher, Jay DeVito, in the final.
"It's great to keep the final in Stamford. It's a great rivalry," Billy DeVito said. "[North Stamford] is a bunch of great guys. There's no animosity between us. It'll be a great game, and whoever wins it'll be great for Stamford."
North Stamford, managed by Dave Grafstein, crushed Darien American in the semifinals to reach Sunday's title game. It has relied on the arm of ace Grant Stone, who will be available to pitch in relief after throwing the maximum 85 pitches in the semifinal.
"We're going to face a really good team. We've faced Lione, and we know what they're all about," Grafstein said. "I'm sure it's going to be a terrific game on Sunday."
Which Stamford team do you think will win the district title? Start the discussion below!
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