Berlin Little League Aims to Repeat as District 8 Champs

BERLIN- Trying to build on a highly successful run by several of its teams in the District 8 playoffs last year, the Berlin Little League will open district tournament play tonight in several divisions.

The Berlin Little League will be well represented in All-Star competition across the Lower Shore over the next week or so as teams in several divisions compete for district titles and the opportunity to advance to the state tournament. Last year, Berlin's true 11-year-old All-Star team hoisted the first District 8 banner won by the local team in nine years and went on to advance to the state's Final Four before bowing out.

The 11-year-olds swept three games to win the District 8 banner and went on to capture the Section 1 title to advance to the state tournament in what was a special two week run for the local team. The other Berlin Little League teams enjoyed successful runs last year and hope to build on that momentum as they prepare for the district tournament that gets underway tonight.

For example, Berlin's 11-12 All-Star team reached the district finals and was nearly able to raise a second district championship banner before falling in the title game in a walk-off home run. Berlin's 9-10 team reached the District 8 title game last year before falling to West Salisbury, while the Senior League team also fell in its District 8 championship game to East Wicomico.

All of the teams will have the opportunity to get back to their respective District 8 championship games starting tonight. The Berlin teams will compete in the 'Pool B' tournament along with Delmar, East Wicomico, Pocomoke and Willards. The Berlin teams open tournament play tonight on the road against East Wicomico and will play Delmar, Pocomoke and Willards in succession next week.

The top two teams from the pool will advance to the District 8 semifinals along with the top two teams from the 'Pool A' tournament. Pool A includes Crisfield, Fruitland, Princess Anne, Snow Hill and West Salisbury. The District 8 semifinals will be held on July 16, with the championship games scheduled for Tuesday, July 17.