Newtown Drops A Tough One In Little League World Series

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Professional sports took a backseat to a group of 12 and under baseball players Thursday night inside the Green Parrot.

As the 18-0 Council Rock Newtown Little League team stepped to the plate representing the Mid-Atlantic region in the Little League World Series, cheers erupted from the crowd as an image of pitcher Saverio Longo filled the big screens inside the local pub relegating the Phillies and Eagles games to the side monitors.

Several local establishments held Watch Parties Thursday night including the Parrot, the Clubhouse and Iron Hill Brewery.

Paul Salvatore and Bernie Sauer react while watching the game at the Parrot. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke, second from right, with current and former Council Rock Newtown coaches.

Mark Craig and Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke are interviewed by Channel 6.

The game appearing on the big screen above the bar at the Green Parrot.

On their way to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, the boys from Newtown won districts, captured the Pennsylvania state title and defeated Washington, D.C., last Friday to clinch the Mid-Atlantic title.

On Thursday night they faced a team from Boerne, Texas, the winner of the Southwest Regional title. The Texas team got on the board first and never looked back, blanking the undefeated Newtown team, 9 to 0, and giving the Council Rock Newtown team its first loss.

While the team dropped its first game, Thursday wasn’t the end of the line for the Newtown boys. They will play again in the elimination round on Saturday at 7 p.m. when they face Salem, New Hampshire. If they lose, they'll head back home. If they win they'll move on to play another team.

Despite the loss Thursday night, their fans in Newtown are keeping hope alive.

Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke said the team has excited the town with Little League fever. “They have a great team and should be very proud. They have energized the whole town," he said.

Added Bernie Sauer, “Everybody’s excited. Everybody was looking forward to tonight. The buzz is all about how good they have played all summer. It’s something for Newtown to be excited about because they are a great team. They got it all. Their offense is great. They have good pitching and
they know how to play defense. And they have good coaching. We’re proud of them no matter what the outcome.”

Watching the game was a family affair.