Greg Bruno Throws Perfect Game as New York Advances to Little League Baseball® World Series

Greg Bruno struck out 12 of the 18 batters he faced, throwing just 63 pitches over six perfect innings in Mid Island Little League’s 4-0 victory over Berlin (Md.) Little League, Sunday afternoon.

Throwing the first perfect in Mid-Atlantic Region Championship Game history, Bruno also contributed at the plate, singling and later scoring a run in the top of the third

Mid Atlantic Regional Tournament Results

“I know I have good defense behind me, So I was just looking to pound the zone,” said Bruno. “I didn’t really focus on it (the perfect game) too much, I kept trying to throw strikes.”

Mid Island Little league’s shortstop Steven Martinez had the big hit in the third inning, driving a two-out, two-run double that plated the first two runs of the game. The title game fireworks completed a dominant tournament at the plate for Martinez, who picked up 10 hits and two walks in 15 plate appearances in four games.

“I thank my coaches for coming out and practicing with us every day, and personally help me come through in these big moments,” said Martinez.

Berlin nearly ended Bruno’s perfect game bid in the fifth inning when pinch-hitter Nate Berzonski belted a line drive to right field, but Mid Island Little League’s right fielder Robert Cavalieri threw him out at first base.

Mid Island Manager Joseph Calabrese praised his team’s performance, but stressed that they were not yet satisfied with their impressive run.

“We’re going to Williamsport, which makes us happy,” he said. “Are we satisfied? Absolutely not.”

He also praised his starting pitcher for a remarkable performance, calling Bruno the best 12-year old pitcher on the planet.

“Greg’s a dominant pitcher,” he said. “He hits his spots out there. That’s a dominant ball club and he completely neutralized them.”

The Mid-Atlantic Region champions from New York will take on Midwest Region Champions Grandview Little League from Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, Aug. 16th.