By James Lomuscio
For Westporters, it was perhaps the most joyous sound—high decibel, heartfelt cheers, arms raised high, fists clenched and hugs all around.
There were tense moments as fans at the Black Duck watched Westport give up 10 runs today before battling back. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
That was the scene at Dunville’s, the Black Duck, the Westport Library and multiple places around town today where people watched Westport’s Little League team edge Sammamish, Wash. 14-13 in a heart-stopping, come from behind victory.
All eyes were on legend Chad Knight as he drove home the winning run in the bottom of the seventh—the second victory over Washington this week. In their first matchup Sunday, Westport won 9-7.
The win sent Westport into the U.S. final against Chula Vista. Calif. on Saturday—the team that dealt the town’s Little Leaguers their first defeat of the season on Wednesday by a score of 6-3.
“These kids are tremendous,” said Jess Branson as he watched at Dunville’s. “They are stars in our eyes and heroes in our hearts, and we can’t wait to welcome them home.”
It was a victory that few at the Dunville’s—and everywhere else—had imagined, but never gave up hope for, after the home team got clobbered in the fourth inning.
That was when Washington scored an unimaginable 10 runs, augmenting the score with another in the top of the fifth making it 13 to 6.
“I feel bad for them; I hope they can rally,” one young man at the Dunville’s bar said.
They did.
In the bottom of the fifth, Westport came back, scoring run after run, tying it up 13-13.
“They’re coming back; I’m so proud of them,” Branson said.
“They never quit, never quit,” said Westporter Frank Driscoll.
At the top of the seventh, Westport kept Washington at bay, and when it was the home team’s turn at bat, Chad Knight, after two outs and two strikes, drove home pinch-runner Christopher Drbal.
The celebrating began.
“I think they’re terrific kids,” said Driscoll. “They show great sportsmanship and great respect for their teammates and their opponents, and they’ve done the town proud, win, lose or draw.”
If Westport bests California Saturday, the team will play in the World Series championship on Sunday against the winner of Saturday’s Mexico-Japan contest.
“I never knew they would get this far,” said Chris Puchala, classmate of the players, who watched the game at the Westport Public Library. “I knew they were good, though, and I wish them well.”
But win or lose, they will be celebrated for coming this far. Monday at 5 p.m. First selectman Gordon Joseloff has scheduled a Main Street parade and a Jesup Green celebration.
“They deserve a parade,” he said.
