NUTLEY (update Sunday July 17, 9:23 a.m.) – For any Little League baseball team, the dream is to reach Williamsport, Pa., the site of the Little League World Series.
The Nutley East Little League 11-12-year-old All-Star team took a big step toward reaching that dream as they won the District 8 tournament championship.
Nutley East defeated Bloomfield National, 9-5, Monday, July 11, in Livingston to win the district championship.
Nutley East advanced to the Section 2 tournament at Livingston Little League field located at 109 Meadowbrook Road in Livingston. They defeated Roberto Clemente, 5-3, in the first round on Friday, July 15.
Max Malanga pitched 5 1/3 innings, Evan Cirone had two homers and Matt Harbison also went deep. Chris Lamond Jr. closed it with a pop-up and strikeout.
Nutley East will play Rutherford, July 17, at 5 p.m.
The sectional tournament is a double-elimination format.
The section champions will move on to the State finals in Gloucester City, beginning July 28. The state champion then will move on to the Regionals. The region champions advance to the Little League World Series.
Nutley East manager Chris Lamond Sr. was proud of his team.
“It’s a great group of kids,” said Lamond. “We’re making a run for it. Everything is positive. They’re playing great baseball.”
Lamond and his coaches help the players prepare for each game. But the credit truly belongs to the players, said Lamond.
“The coaches coach and I manage, but it’s really about the kids. It’s all them,” Lamond said.
NUTLEY EAST 11-12 LITTLE LEAGUE All-STAR TEAM
Players
Max Malanga
Chris Lamond Jr.
Evan Cirone
Nick Polewka
Chris Cugliari
Joe Senatore
Jonathan Velez
Matt Harbison
Cooper Fojas
Ben Wuebben
Roger Dietierle
Alex Sanchez
Coaches
Greg “Tiny” Latino Sr.
Greg Latino Jr.
Wayne Umbach
Manager
Chris Lamond Sr.
NOTE: The Nutley East Little League president is Christopher Wanko.
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