Mid-Island is neither down nor out today after their first loss of the season broke an impressive 17-win streak.
In a heart-wrenching defeat, the team lost 10-0 to Hawaii last night. The west team managed the first grand slam of the series in the first inning, setting a grim tone for the rest of the game.
Tonight’s elimination game against Georgia will determine whether they face Hawaii again Saturday for the U.S. championship title. You can watch it live on ESPN at 7pm.
Andrea Bruno, mom of the team’s star pitcher Gregory Bruno, chalked up the loss to just a bad day.
“They were definitely off. My only assumption is that they were intimidated by the team they were playing. My son wasn’t himself at all. The fact that he wasn’t able to pitch must have gotten in his head and it took away his spirits.”
Little League rules restrict a player from pitching in three consecutive games. According to Mrs. Bruno, Gregory can’t wait to be back on the mound for Saturday’s game against Hawaii if they win tonight.
Despite last night’s curveball, morale is up for Staten Island’s youngest celebrity baseball players.
Mrs. Bruno says the boys are totally ready to play tonight. “They had an off day, but it’s a new day today. We’re hitting the reset button, and coming back out to play. If we play the game the way we play, then we definitely have a shot.”
Coach Joe Calabrese likely feels the same. “Our coach never has doubts. They’re talented boys, they’re a good team, and he knows they can win,” Mrs. Bruno said.
They’ve got all of Staten Island behind them and an angel in the outfield too—the coach’s late brother, John Calabrese, to whom the team chose to dedicate the entire season.
A little optimism goes a long way, so be sure to show Mid-Island we believe in them by signing our Congratulations Card here. Our goal is to get at least 1,000 signatures to show these amazing boys that ALL of Staten Island is pulling for them. They are making us proud— let’s return the favor. Sign the card here.
If you’d like to donate to the team to help the families with expenses, you can link to their Go Fund Me page here. Be sure to share the page with other Mid-Island supporters.
LET’S GO MID-ISLAND!!!!!!!
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