By George Maddaloni

TRUMBULL — Westport Little Leaguers broke open a tight pitching battle in the opening game of the Connecticut Little League State Tournament on Wednesday, prevailing 5-1 over Shelton.

Westport, which won the Section 1 championship last Saturday, advances to a second-round game in the tourney against East Lyme at 6 p.m. Thursday at Unity Field. East Lyme won its opener 12-0 over Brooklyn.

Both teams’ batters were held in check by strong pitching in the early innings. Westport Coach Marc Theisinger described Shelton’s ace as “dominant,” notching “four no-hit, no-walks [innings] against us.”

But Westport’s Grant Theisinger and Toby Slavin held Shelton’s lineup in check until the team’s bats came alive.

Miles Delorier also was made a great catch that saved Westport a run.

The victory was “a total team effort, and they’re all supporting each other. We struggled a little bit in that last inning, but that’s what we’re all here for, to pick each other up,” Coach Theisinger said.

It was “a battle,” he added.

Asked about advancing in the tournament, Grant Theisinger said, “It’s not over. We haven’t won yet. We just have to get two more wins.” 

If Westport wins the state crown, they move on to the Little League regional championships in Bristol next week.