[Update] Avon and South Windsor 10-11s to Battle for Championship Spot

If Avon's 10-11 Little League All Stars win again South Windsor on Wednesday night, the team is guaranteed a slot in the Section II final on Thursday.

Winning the final means advancing to the Little League World Series State Championships over the weekend.

But the challenge will not be easy against a "tough" South Windsor team, according to Avon's Team Manager Steve Harris. Both teams are 3-1 in sectionals play.

Avon shut out it first three opponents, which were Wethersfield, Norwich and East Lyme, followed by a 2-1 loss against Guilford.

Avon versus Wethersfield

The District 6 champions began the Section II series with a bang after beating Wethersfield last Wednesday. Wethersfield was undefeated in the District 5 bracket.

"Connor Harris pitched 5 2/3 inning of shut-out baseball using only 65 pitches and Dylan Nastri came in to get the last out and close the door," Steve Harris said. "Connor Harris had a single to right side in the fifth. Avon pinched ran speedster Blake Thompson who ended up scoring the game's only run on a past ball." 

Avon versus Norwich

Avon swung strong against Norwich last Thursday, leading them in hits for the first four innings 12 - 2, Steve Harris said.

"Dylan Nastri and Noah Hay did a great job on the mound each only having to throw 35 pitches in the shortened game," Harris said. "The hit attack was lead by catcher Ryan Ollestad who hit two home runs."

Ollestad's homes gave Avon the sweeping 2-0 win.

Dylan Nastri, Adam Theriault, Eamon Moore and Will Boone had two hits each.  

Avon versus East Lyme

East Lyme was another skilled contender for Avon on Saturday, Harris said.

"Dylan Nastri relieved Noah Hay to throw four complete innings of shut-out baseball as Avon cruised to its third victory in a row with a 6-2 victory," Harris said.

Moore continued his hitting streak with three, followed by Nastri, Boone and Theriault who once again hit two.

A great defense sometimes makes a great offense, and that was the case for Avon on Saturday.

"Some great defense at second base from Max Ravech, and some stellar outfield play from Adam Theriault and Jack Stokesbury," Harris said summarizing the team's fieldwork that contributed to the 3-0 shutout lead.

 Avon versus Guilford

Avon matched up against a "solid" Guilford team "in an old fashioned pitcher dual," Harris said, which ended in a 2-1 loss for Avon.

Connor Harris gave up one un-earned run in the 5 1/3 innings he pitched, allowing Guilford to tie the game, 1-1.

"The Guilford pitcher went four and 1/3 also only giving up one run scored by Dylan Nastri in the first," Steve Harris said.

Guilford was able to score again on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the sixth inning to win the game 2-1.

"Avon again played solid defense at with Adam Theraiult in center and Eamon Moore and Max Ravech solid up the middle of the infield," Harris said. 

Game Time

After rain postponed the game from Monday to Wednesday, Avon and South Windsor will face off at 5:30 p.m. at the Harwinton Sports Complex on Bentley Road for a spot in the Section II Championship. The tournament is double elimination, so either team could be knocked out. Since rain has further delayed the game, the final will take place Thursday at 5:30 p.m, same location.

Editor's Note: This article was updated at 6:18 p.m.