Gray‑New Gloucester/Raymond captured the Maine Little League Baseball state championship on Tuesday, edging Saco/Dayton 6‑2 in extra innings. The final score reflected a tightly contested battle that stretched beyond the scheduled seven innings.
The triumph not only crowns the team as New England regional representatives but also marks their second state title in four years; the 2023 squad had previously advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
A community’s pride
Offensively, Elliot Szczesniak emerged as the linchpin, smashing a double, a triple and two RBI, while Wes Connick delivered a solid pitching performance, tossing 5 ⅓ innings and allowing just one run on four hits.
Julian Neang of Saco/Dayton responded with 10 strikeouts over 5 ⅔ innings, yet a wild pitch in the seventh broke a 1‑1 deadlock and handed Gray‑New Gloucester/Raymond the lead.
Drew Clark’s two‑run single later widened the gap, driving in Jackson Pacanza and John Hanley, and Szczesniak’s subsequent triple scored both Connick and Clark, sealing the rally.
Beau Amergian closed out the game, pitching the final 1 ⅔ innings to secure the victory.
Coach Eric Hanley, speaking after the game, attributed the team’s success to the tight‑knit community and the unwavering support of families who have cheered them on for years.
The championship also brought several members of the 2023 World Series team back onto the field, underscoring the program’s continuity and building excitement for the upcoming regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.