Despite loss, Middleboro still a contender at the Little League World Series

MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — The Middleboro Little League team still has a shot at the World Series.

The 12-year-old boys lost Wednesday night to Tennessee, but they’ll now play in an elimination game Saturday night at 7 p.m.

Sports bars in Middleboro were packed with people Wednesday cheering on the boys.

The community has really rallied behind them, selling t-shirts to support the team and throwing watch parties.

“Look at the experience, they’re on ESPN, they have all these people rooting for them, they’re getting shoutouts from major league players, it’s awesome,” said Teresa Farley.

It’s been more than a decade since a Massachusetts team has made it this far in the Little League World Series.

“I mean they should be super proud of themselves for how far they’ve come,” said Jill Kemp.

Middleboro became the first team from Massachusetts to advance to the LLWS in 13 years after defeating Maine in the New England Regionals championship last week. Peabody last advanced to the prestigious tournament in 2009.

Manager Chad Gillpatrick told Boston 25 News that thousands of people turned out to cheer on his team after they emerged as winners of the regionals.

“Two days ago, it was exciting, it was fun, with 20,000 people there watching the parade as we went through town,” Gillpatrick said. “Hopefully that got the butterflies out.”

When asked about his plan of attack for the game against Nolensville, Gillpatrick stopped short of revealing his starting pitcher.

Gillpatrick, and coaches Glenn Marzelli and Joe Trottier, have been with the 12 boys on their roster since they were all about 8 years of age.

Middleboro is slated to host a watch party for the big game at the public library.

Click through the slideshow below to meet all of the players on the team:

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