Middleboro loses first game in Little League World Series, 5-3
WILLIAMSPORT, PA -- The Middleboro Little League team lost their first Little League World Series game Wednesday afternoon, taking to Nolensville, Tennessee, 5-3. Middleboro is the first Massachusetts team to make the LLWS since Peabody West in 2009.
However, the team got plenty of support from a community bursting with pride.
"You can't even describe it. I'm telling you. Everywhere you drive, every restaurant you drive by. It's lit up, congratulations, good luck," said Middleboro neighbor Teresa Farley.
After a long, boring weather delay interrupted this Little League World Series game 1, Middleboro finally lost, 5-3, but the hometown still has plenty of hope.
"It's not over. Trust me, these kids battle," said Andy Alchorn of the team.
"I think it's amazing they made it so far!" said 13-year-old Lucas.
"I'm really excited and proud for them. Yeah, I'm happy and I hope they're having a great time," said two 8-year-old friends.
Fans are having a great time watching. Middleboro hasn't made it to the series since 1994.
"It's very exciting and I think they've had a fantastic season," said 10-year-old Payton.
And those who really know these twelve 12-year-olds say the best is still to come.
"Six thousand teams start at the beginning of the summer. Middleboro is one of 10. Yeah, we're pretty proud," Farley added.
Middleboro won the New England Regional Tournament to reach the Little League World Series, going 3-1 and outscoring opponents 26-11. The run included a pair of shutouts against New Hampshire, and the Middleboro boys punched their ticket to Williamsport with a 10-1 win over Maine last week.
With a loss, Middleboro will play the loser of Thursday's Mid-Atlantic/Southwest region matchup in Game 2 Saturday at 7 p.m.
