BRISTOL, Conn — The Holbrook Little League team from Jackson smashed their way into the Little League World Series tournament with an 8-3 win over a team from Thurmont, Md.

Holbrook Little League of Jackson with their Mid Atlantic Championship banner
Holbrook Little League of Jackson with their Mid Atlantic Championship banner (Little League Baseball)
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The New Jersey team represent the Mid Atlantic region when they take on New England champs Fairfield, Ct. in the opening round game in Williamsport, Pa. on Thursday. They're just one of eight teams in the World Series tournament from the United States.

"It was really exciting! Very exciting! " Holbrook Little League president Tony Del Vecchio told New Jersey 101.5. He said the boys didn't have much time for celebrating as they headed straight for Williamsport from Bristol.

"They ran around the field, held their banner," Del Vecchio said. "They did a really nice touch too. They faced the stands and all the fans and their parents and applauded us while we applauded them. It was a sweet moment."

Del Vecchio said there's a whole schedule of events planned for them including new uniforms, new equipment and the chance to meet members of the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals when the teams play a game at Bowman Field.

Chris Cartnick hit his fifth home run of the tournament in the first inning to get things going for the Holbrook squad.

Holbrook scored six runs in the second inning and capitalized on an error in the second inning as well that scored a run and advanced a runner. They also took advantage of a wild pitch and a passed ball to build their lead and never trailed. Tai Mann knocked out a homer that scored two runs to seal the win.

Del Vecchio said about 300 fans watched the game at the Knights of Columbus across the street from the Holbrook Little League's home field. The team's World Series banner also wound up with the Knights.

"I'm not the least bit surprised as they were clearly the best team in the region," Kevin Williams of the Shore Sports Network said. "I believe they will be a factor in Williamsport because of their experience playing in big games and will not be intimidated by the circumstances. This team is special and what they've already accomplished is amazing."

 

Del Vecchio isn't concerned about the three time New Jersey state champions  being over confident. "This team hasn't really tipped the emotional scale. They're very even tempered , they're focused all the time, they don't get rattled"

Holbrook is 20-1 in tournament play this summer. They're the first team from New Jersey to play in the World Series Tournament since the Toms River National squad in 2010.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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