Fairfield American LL romps 13-0 in sectional opener

SOUTHINGTON -- Even one of the best pitchers in the state was no match for the Fairfield American Little League on Thursday.

Matt Kubel homered, drove in five and scored two runs as American mercy-ruled Yalesville 13-0 at Verderame Field.

"It was a good win," Fairfield pitcher Ryan Meury said. "We put the ball in play, and that's ultimately what led to victory."

Yalesville starter Tyler Daly -- who Meury called "the Justin Verlander of the Little League" -- allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings as Yalesville fell to 10-2 this summer.

"Tyler Daly is a terrific pitcher," American manager Bill Meury said. "Perhaps he had an off-night and he ran into a team who is pretty hot."

"That was definitely the fastest pitcher I've ever faced," Kubel said.

Fairfield scored seven of its 13 runs with two outs. Ryan Meury was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and struck out eight in four innings to earn the win.

"He's got a very good fastball and a good curve, and he can throw them both for strikes," Bill Meury said. "He gets ahead of hitters and when you do, it's a good thing."

Kevin Oricoli's grand slam ended the game, capping a six-run fourth inning, lifting American to 7-0 this summer. Bill Meury thought Fairfield winning its first sectional game was a big lift.

"Yalesville is a good team, and we know they have a good pitching staff," he said. "If you win the first game, it definitely takes some of the pressure off."

Meury befuddled the Yalesville hitters, allowing just one hit -- Nick Gonsalves' second-inning, ground-rule double. He threw just 46 pitches, meaning he'll be available to start Fairfield's game Sunday against Seymour.

"My fastball was good and I located well and that set up my curveball," Ryan Meury said. "And I mixed speeds."

Fairfield broke the game open in the second, batting around and scoring five times, all with two outs. Leading 2-0, Matty Clarkin and Ryan Meury hit back-to-back RBI singles, lifting Fairfield's edge to 4-0.

"We're just trying to put the ball in play," Ryan Meury said. "We don't change our approach."

"We can hit singles and and home runs and doubles and everything," Kubel said.

Meury circled the bases on wild pitches and scored on one, making it 5-0. After Biagio Paoletta and Will Lucas walked, Kubel roped a two-run double over the left fielder's head, lifting Fairfield's advantage to 7-0.

"I was just trying to keep my head down and hit it to left-center," Kubel said.

Kubel's first-inning shot over the fence in left-centerfield -- on an 0-2 count -- put Fairfield ahead 2-0.

"I was happy that I could help my team get started," Kubel said. "I knew two runs would be enough with how Ryan pitches."

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YALESVILLE 000 0 -- 0 1 0

FAIRFIELD AMERICAN 250 6 -- 13 9 0

Records: FA -- 7-0; Y -- 10-2; Batteries: Y -- Tyler Daly (L), Nick Cersale (3) and Nick Gonsalves; FA-- Ryan Meury (W) and Biagio Paoletta; HRs: FA -- Matt Kubel, Kevin Oricoli.