August 4 - Vienna Little League’s American All-Stars will represent Virginia in the Southeast Regional Tournament beginning tomorrow in Georgia, with the winner advancing to the Little League World Series.
The team’s core has been together for three consecutive state championships while advancing through Little League’s age levels, and enters regionals having won each of its 12 games through district and state play.
“This team is full of individually-talented kids, but anyone who has watched us in the past few years understands that when this team is brought together they will do whatever it takes to win games,” coach Chris Leggett said.
“I think that experience over the past two years before this one made all the difference this year in the district and state tournament. Every night a different kid seemed to step up and come through in the end.”
Vienna American boasts what Leggett called a “murderers row” at the top of their lineup, a group that includes Tommy Fiochhi, Bryce Eldridge, Kyle Robinson - who hit a two-run, walkoff home run to beat Annandale-North Springfield in the state championship game - and Alex Jreige. The four have paced an offense that has outscored its opponents, 134-37, and eclipsed 10 runs eight times.
“Those guys hit home runs when they are needed, get on base, and set the table for the rest of our lineup,” Leggett said. “As those four kids go so does our team, and you only have to look at the results to see how well that works for us.”
The 11-year-old Eldridge, one of the team’s youngest players and the No. 2 batter in the lineup, has stepped up as one of the team's leaders as well as being one of its best hitters, Leggett said.
The team’s pitching has been as good as the offense, posting four shutouts and allowing more than three runs just three times.
“Our pitching and defense stepped up this year and we are not just a hitting team,” Leggett said. “We have a lot of all around baseball players guys who play multiple positions and some pretty great pitchers as well.”
Vienna American opens tomorrow against Georgia’s Peachtree City American. The tournament is a double-elimination format.
“To have to play a team from Georgia is a tall order,” Leggett said. “I am told the will have thousands of fans there cheering for them and it going to take a massive effort and I have confidence that our kids can win if they play well.”
The other teams in the tournament include Huntsville American (AL), North Palm Beach County (FL), Bull City (N.C.), Irmo (S.C.), Goodlettsville (TN) and Bridgeport (W.V.). Vienna American will play its second game regardless of the result the following day against either the winner or loser of the first round matchup between Bridgeport and Bull City.
Each of the Southeast Regional games will be televised on ESPN3, and the semifinals and championship game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Photos by Christy Toole
