Sports
North Stamford Wins District One Title [Video]
Grant Purpura pitched five strong innings and knocked in three runs, leading North Stamford to a 9-5 victory over National Lione and a berth in the sectionals
North Stamford won the District One 12-year-old Little League title on Sunday, defeating National Lione 9-5 in an all-Stamford final at Scalzi Park.
North Stamford, which advances to the sectionals beginning Wednesday in Orange, avenged a 4-1 loss to Lione and pitcher Jay DeVito in pool play on July 7.
Each team came into Sunday's contest with 6-1 records. Lione's only defeat came to Redding (5-2) on July 9.
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After Lione got on the board in the first inning, it apeared as if DeVito would shut down North Stamford again as he had three strikeouts through the first 2 1/3 innings.
But Michael Grafstein started a rally with a single and moved to third when the Lione shortstop bobbled a ball hit by Anthony Socci. Telly Colarossi then walked to load the bases.
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Grant Purpura and Alex Mella followed with two-run doubles to give North Stamford a 4-1 lead after three.
Lione managed to get back one run in the bottom of the fourth, when Michael Tufano’s double brought Donnie Dupina home from third, but Purpura retired Lione in order in the fifth.
In the top of the sixth, Lione got two quick outs before North Stamford broke in open. After three singles plated three runs, Alex Bella’s booming 240-foot home run made it 9-2.
Purpura went back to the mound in the bottom of the sixth looking for a complete the game. Lione did not give up, however, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring three runs.
Purpura received a rousing ovation from fans of both teams as he was pulled and Hunter Semmel got the final outs to seal the victory.
