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N. Stamford Tops Lione for District 1 Crown

STAMFORD, Conn. – Though up by two runs, the North Stamford Little League All-Stars knew they needed more against a talented National Lione squad. And Alex Mella came through, sending a two-out, three-run blast over the fence in the top of the sixth.

Lione plated three runs in the bottom of the inning and brought the tying run to the plate, but Hunter Semmel retired the two batters he faced in relief and North Stamford won its third straight District 1 title, 9-5.

The game was billed as a showdown between evenly matched, friendly rivals, and the two teams did not disappoint. After National Lione took a 1-0 lead on a wild pitch, Jay DeVito held North Stamford in check for two innings.

But the North Stamford bats came alive in the top of the third. After the first three batters reached, Purpura and Alex Mella ripped back-to-back doubles to give North Stamford a 4-2 lead.

Purpura sparkled on the mound as well, going 5 ? innings and earning the win. He impressed with a sharp curveball that led to eight groundouts and three strikeouts.

Both teams had opportunities to score again, but North Stamford left two runners in scoring position in the top of the fifth. Lione did the same in the bottom of the inning, leaving the potential tying run on second.

"When we didn't score in the fifth you start getting a little worried," North Stamford head coach Dave Grafstein said. "We really needed every one of those so-called tack-on runs. Whenever you face a lineup like [Lione’s] you know it's not going to be easy."

North Stamford moves on to the state sectionals, which begin in Orange on Wednesday. They will take on Berlin in the first round.

Do you think North Stamford can go on to win the state tournament? Start the discussion below!

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