By George Maddaloni

TRUMBULL — The Westport Little League team’s dream of winning a state championship crown ended Saturday.

Westport was eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 7-3 loss to Shelton, which moves on to play East Lyme in the finals at Unity Field.

The local team was optimistic about its chances heading into Saturday’s game, having topped Shelton 5-1 in the tourney’s opening game.

Westport struck early when a hit by Chase Landgraf drove in Chris Lambert, notching a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Strong defensive play helped Westport hold onto the slim lead, particularly a crowd-rousing double play executed by Lambert and Grant Theisinger in the third inning.

But momentum shifted to Shelton in the fifth inning with a two-run homer by Nate Miloscio. 

Westport was poised to answer their rival, as Miles Delorier was able to steal second base and then third. But the rally ended without a run when Delorier was left stranded on third.

Shelton exploded for five more runs in the sixth inning, powered by two home runs.

Facing a steep comeback road at the bottom of the sixth, Westport loaded the bases and was able to push across two runs — the second scored by Evan Sealove who stole home — closing the gap to 7-3.

But Westport was unable to extend the rally, and the game ended at 7-3 in Shelton’s favor.

Coach Marc Theisinger, acknowledging Westport’s disappointment at Saturday’s tournament elimination, praised the team’s remarkable season, which included winning the state Little League’s Section 1 title.

“The kids refused to give up, but in the end, [I’m] just happy for the run that these kids had,” the coach said.