For the first time in 18 years, a team from the state of Maine is headed to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to compete in the Little League World Series. Gray-New Gloucester/Raymond Little League defeated Canton, Massachusetts 2-1 in the New England Regional Final on Thursday night in Bristol, Connecticut.
Caleb Barker gave GNG a lead they wouldn’t relinquish with an RBI single in the first inning. Grant Brann had the eventual game winner when he tripled in the second, and then came home to score on the same play on a throwing error. Meanwhile, Kayden Oliver continued to dominate on the mound. Oliver struckout 10 in 5.1 innings before leaving due to pitch count. Barker got the save by recording the final two outs. Gray-New Gloucester becomes the first Maine team to advance to Williamsport since Westbrook did so in 2005.
GNG didn’t lose a game in the regional, and also didn’t lose any during their district and state tournaments. During those district and state tournaments, they outscored their opponents 70-7 in eight games. The World Series begins next Wednesday, and Maine will take on Seattle, Washington (Northwest Champ) on Thursday at 3 p.m. in their opening round matchup.
Story by Chris LessnerÂ
