Regional Triumph Secures Championship Berth
Saco/Dayton’s Little League squad clinched a spot in the Maine state championship after a decisive 6‑2 victory over Machias on Tuesday night, showcasing a blend of disciplined pitching and timely hitting.
Right‑hander Theo Beliveau earned the win, limiting the opposition to two runs on four hits while striking out six batters, underscoring the team’s pitching depth.
In the later stages, Nicholas Laskey II threw 1 ⅓ innings of flawless relief, preserving the lead and highlighting the squad’s versatile arm talent.
The victory sets up a showdown with undefeated Gray‑New Gloucester, a team that has not tasted defeat all season, with the championship game scheduled for Friday.
Behind the scenes, the Saco/Dayton crew has embraced modern technology, using an earpiece system that delivers pitch signals directly to catcher Julian Neang, a strategy that has proven effective in tight moments.
Offensively, Cayden Stefanilo sparked a five‑run third inning with a two‑run single, driving in crucial runs that shifted momentum in favor of his team.
Reliever Cyrus Meyer contributed nine strikeouts across 3 ⅓ innings for Machias, but the combined effort of Saco/Dayton’s arms and bats proved too much.
A Championship Matchup Looms
Coach Dave Dyer, who has guided the squad throughout the tournament, emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing the game plan against a disciplined opponent.
The community’s excitement is palpable, with local businesses offering support and the town’s youth programs looking up to the team as role models as they prepare for the final.