Little League fever hits RI after Coventry win

For the fourth time in five years Rhode Island will represent New England in the Little League World Series, and fans across the state are hyped.

The Coventry boys knocked out Pittsfield, MA in a 3-2 win on Sunday.

"It’s fun to see how much they separate themselves from when they first started until now and being showcased on a big stage," said Coventry resident Mark Fernandes. "Working their butts off, getting where they are it’s not an easy thing to do."

Fernandes and his daughter Juliana were out picking up a new glove right after the big win.

"Amazing. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get there," Juliana said, a softball player herself.

Employees at 2nd Time Around Sports in Cranston, like Matt Pagnozzi, said they’ve seen the buzz first hand.

"Everyday customers will come in and just say ‘did you see that game last night’, especially against New Hampshire the other day. It was the buzz for the entire day," he said. "We’re coming up. This little state is making some noise."

What makes it better for Pagnozzi is that some of the players are regulars at the store.

"They’ve been coming here since they were like two or three years-old, getting their cleats, getting their bats," he said. "I have a lot of faith in this team. They’re great kids. Great athletes and it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch. I can’t wait for it."

The boys even got a shout out from Governor Gina Raimondo, Congressman Jim Langevin and Sen. Jack Reed.

Coventry is set to face off against Southwest Regional Champions Post Oak Little League from Houston, Texas, Thursday at 7:00 p.m.