Blanked In Bristol: Branford Legion Falls To Norwalk 3-0 in State Championship

When asked about momentum, Hall of Fame baseball manager Earl Weaver responded: “Momentum? Momentum is the next day’s starting pitcher.”

The phrase rang true in the final of the Connecticut Senior American Legion Tournament on Saturday. Branford had defeated Norwalk 4-1 to force a second game in the double-elimination tournament championship series, held at Muzzy Field in Bristol.

Any momentum Branford gained from the Friday win was stopped by Norwalk’s starter, Leon Fleming, who tossed a complete game shutout to clinch the championship.

Norwalk scored three runs, two of which were earned, on 10 hits and two walks off of Branford starter Connor Moriarty.

Fleming, a 2011 graduate of Norwalk High School who will attend Central Connecticut in the fall, allowed six hits and walked two in nine innings of work.

Fleming was named to the All-Tournament team and received the Most Valuable Pitcher award.

Fully story and photos to follow.