Logan Macchia starred on the mound and at the plate while his defense came up clutch to help Toms River East overcome Fairfield, Connecticut to reach the Little League Metro Region championship game.
Snacks were stolen and a security door damaged in the facility in Deerwood Park in Howell used by the South Howell Little League three weeks before opening day.
Toms River East absorbed an early blow and later pitched out of bases-loaded jams in each of the last three innings to keep its hopes of a Little League World Series trip alive.
After coasting to a state championship, Toms River East Little League dropped an extra-inning battle Saturday and will try to keep its summer alive on Sunday.
Ranney standout A.J. Gracia capped a memorable five months of baseball by appearing in the Hank Aaron Invitational last Sunday at Atlanta's Truist Park.
After injuries slowed his progress to the Boston Red Sox Major League roster, Jay Groome was traded to the Padres just before Tuesday's trade deadline.
In a game that featured four former Big East players, Shavar Reynolds turned in an MVP performance Thursday in Manasquan to lead Stern's Trailer to a JSBL championship victory.