Blowout Puts SouthEast One Win Away From New England Semis

Newton SouthEast’s trip to Bristol, Conn., didn’t get off to a great start. But thanks to a big day on Tuesday, the town’s all-stars could keep their hopes alive for yet another dramatic finish.

The locals lost their first two games during pool play of the New England Little League regional tournament, putting themselves into a difficult predicament as they were at the bottom of the standings.

But on Tuesday, Newton started the day by getting a break as Vermont toppled Maine. As a result, SouthEast entered its tilt with New Hampshire knowing that its hopes were alive of reaching the semifinal round if they won their final two games.

Manager John Taft’s charges responded, thumping New Hampshire, 9-2, on Tuesday afternoon in front of a NESN television audience. Thanks to the win, a victory in Wednesday’s game versus Connecticut, which will also be televised on NESN, would allow the team to advance to the next portion of the tournament.

“It was a good feeling getting the first win out of the way,” said Taft. “They understand the situation very well, and play their best with their backs against the wall.”

In Tuesday’s win, Newton got on the board first with a run in the bottom of the frame. But it was the third inning that put SouthEast in control, when the locals scored six runs to take a 7-0 edge.

Dante Taylor led the charge at the plate with three hits and three runs batted in on the day. Brandon Lee started and went 4 1/3 innings to earn the win, striking out three, according to an online box score of the game.

Wednesday’s game, which will be shown live at 4 p.m. on NESN, will not be an easy one. Westport, Conn., currently sits undefeated atop the standings with a 3-0 record, having only allowed four runs so far in the tournament.

With a win SouthEast would advance to play Thursday at 1 p.m., potentially against the same opponent, in the semifinal round. With a loss, a dream season would come to an end.

Despite the dire circumstances, Taft said his team is loose and believes it can complete yet another comeback effort.

“We’ve had the name of the comeback kids all summer, and our comeback began with Vermont beating Maine (on Tuesday),” said Taft. “We’ll approach Wednesday’s game like we would any other game. We look forward to testing them. Our kids are battle tested and they’ve been through the dogfight. So it’ll be interesting to see how they react to our kids when we bring the fight to them.”

Be sure to check back with Newton Patch for coverage of Wednesday's critical contest. For past coverage on the team, click on the links below:

• Rhode Island's Big First Inning Dooms Newton Little Leauge
• Newton Little League Falls in Opening Regional Game
• Regionals a 'Once in a Lifetime' Experience for Newton SouthEast
• Newton's Little Big Leaguers Win the Big One
• Meet the Champs: Newton SouthEast Players, Coaches Introduce Themselves
• Road to Bristol Has Been a Magical One for Newton SouthEast
• Trip to Regionals Means Games, Fun and Expenses for Newton's Little Leaguers
• And the State Champs Have Left the City
• When Are the Newton SouthEast Little League Games?
• Good Luck to the State Champs
• Newton Little Leaguers Going Where Few Have Gone Before