Portland will be playing for a trip to the Little League World Series on national television Thursday night.
Portland will face Salem of New Hampshire in the New England region championship baseball game live on ESPN on Thursday at 7 p.m. The New England tournament is being played in Bristol, Connecticut.
Salem defeated Bridgewater American of Massachusetts 4-3 on Wednesday to earn its spot in the title game.
The Maine state champion’s path to the region title game has included a 2-0 win over Salem on Saturday and 7-1 victory over Bridgewater American on Monday. Salem has defeated Bridgewater American of Vermont along with Bridgewater American of Massachusetts.
Portland, led by strong pitching from starters David Rank and Louie Bechard, has allowed only one run in its first two games. Charlie Armstrong is pacing the offense, batting .600 in the first two games, including a 3-for-3 performance with two doubles and three RBI on Monday.
The Little League World Series will be played Aug. 14-25 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Portland is striving to become the fifth Maine team to reach the Little League World Series, joining Gray-New Gloucester last year, Westbrook (2005), Augusta (1971) and Suburban, a team of players from towns surrounding Portland, in 1951.
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