Milton All-Stars take on New York

For the second year in a row, the Milton 11-12 All-Stars have their backs against the wall after a gut-wrenching one-run loss in the opening round of the Mid-Atlantic Regional. 

Once again, the kids have to battle back in an elimination game, this year against New York. The game is already underway in Bristol, Conn., and can be viewed on ESPN 3.

Last year, they pulled out a thrilling victory in game 2 over Maryland on a Ty Husbands walk-off home run after Timothy Hitchcock kept the team alive after being down to their last out.

After a day trip to ESPN and a break from the dorms for a fun night playing at the pool with their families, the kids practiced at 11 a.m. and hit the batting cages at 2 p.m. in preparation for the New York team from Plainville. Plainville supplanted last year’s Little League World Series Champion from the Maine-Endwell Little League from New York, but had a tough opener, losing 9-0 to rival New Jersey. New Jersey defeated Washington, D.C, 16-6 Monday, and along with Pennsylvania, is one of the two unbeaten teams.

Milton Manager Zac Crouch noted they know they need to run the table, but their pitching is set up well to do so with Timothy Hitchcock on the hill today and other fresh arms ready if needed. Cleanup hitter Kye Wells put on a show in Monday’s batting practice session and hopes to continue that today. When asked about his team’s experience in last year’s state tournament and regionals, Crouch said the experience from last year will definitely help and added, “The kids know they just have to keep working to get to the next step.” Crouch said he has no concerns, “just need to get the job done.”

Hitchcock has the experience from pitching in the regionals last year, and he threw a shutout in this year’s state finals. When asked about his mind-set as starting pitcher in an elimination game and how he can pull from his experience, Timothy said he needs to, “Keep it low and outside, and mess them up with the curveball. Just have fun and not worry about stressing, or it may be over already. You can lose just by stressing yourself.”

Check back later for a recap of the game.