In 1989 my “hometown” little league team won the Little League World Series. Although I didn’t actually live in Trumbull, CT, I went to school and church in the town (As an aside, Trumbull is considered the 68th best town to live in, according to Money Magazine). It was a great time for the town and for the kids, and I did not think I’d be seeing that again in my lifetime. Well, it appears I was wrong!

Jacob Lennertz never dreamed of pitching a three-hitter in this spot. Nick Petrovich just wanted to hit it hard. They both surpassed their hopes Thursday night, and Shelton National is within one game of the Little League World Series. It avenged its only New England Regional loss with a 6-0 semifinal win over Portland (Maine) North at Breen Field. Lennertz struck out 13, and Petrovich went 3-for-4 with a game-clinching home run and four RBIs. With a win Saturday over Walpole (Mass.) American, Shelton National would be the first Connecticut team to reach Williamsport, Pa., since Trumbull National won it all in 1989.

“It feels really good,” said Petrovich, who was on the mound last Saturday in a pool-play loss to Portland. “I wouldn’t rather do it with anybody else.”
The regional final is Saturday at 2 p.m., and the game will air on ESPN.

This news excites me because for much of my life I lived in Stratford/Shelton. I would love the team to bring back some hometown pride. Go Shelton Nationals!!! Go all the way!

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