Staten Island Little Leaguers Head To Mid-Atlantic Championship

STATEN ISLAND, NY — Will they make it to Williamsport? That is the big question that everyone wants to know, as Staten Island's team comes breathtakingly close to a Little League World Series run this week. The Mid Island Little League all stars (3-0) defeated the Middletown Little League team out of New Jersey (1-1) on Wednesday 5-2. New Jersey was not eliminated from the tournament though and will play the winner of Thursday's game between Maryland and Pennsylvania for a shot at the title.

Staten Island is currently in Bristol, Connecticut. The championship game is slated for Saturday night. If they win that, then they head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series.

Staten Island struck first Wednesday, plating three runs in the third and adding additional runs in the fourth and sixth innings. Steven Martinez and Chris Cancel lead the way, combining for six of the team's 11 hits. Martinez scored twice while Cancel, not to be out done, scored once and added three RBIs.

Staten Island's pitching limited New Jersey to just two runs on nine hits. Winning pitcher Derek Mendez tossed 4.1 innings of one-run ball and collected three strikeouts. Chris Bedford added another 1.2 innings to finish the game and allowed one earned run.

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