The Massachusetts American Legion Baseball state championship game that was originally scheduled earlier this week has been pushed back to Thursday, when Milford Post 59 will host Franklin Post 75 at Fino Field in Milford at 4 p.m.
The postponement means the winner will not only secure the state title but also earn a spot in the New England Regional tournament in Shrewsbury from August 5‑8, a gateway that could lead to the Legion World Series in Shelby, North Carolina, later in August.
Milford's comeback trail
Milford entered the tournament as the host team after a rocky start, dropping a 2‑1 decision to Franklin on Saturday before rallying with three straight elimination victories — 24‑5 over Northampton Post 28, a 17‑0 shutout of Leominster, and an 11‑3 win against Hyde Park.
Franklin, meanwhile, advanced out of District 6 with a series of tight contests, including a 2‑1 victory over Milford, a 13‑1 triumph over Sandwich Post 188, a 4‑2 win against Hyde Park and a 3‑2 escape over Sandwich, positioning them to claim their third state championship in the past five years with a single win.
Clear skies ahead
The weather outlook for Thursday’s first pitch looks promising, with mostly cloudy skies and a zero percent chance of precipitation around 4 p.m., while a slight chance of rain looms only if a second game is required later in the evening.
Steve Divitto, a key figure in the Milford program, has been credited with igniting the team’s late‑season surge, and his presence adds a personal storyline to the impending clash. Beyond the field, the matchup underscores the competitive spirit of Massachusetts Legion baseball and the community’s investment in these young athletes, who are just one game away from regional and potentially national competition.