After Postponement, Fairfield American Faces Auburn, Washington In LLWS

Jack Quinn or Eddie Magi?

That is the decision that Fairfield American manager Chris Daley had to sleep on after Monday's scheduled game against Auburn, Washington in the Little League World Series was postponed because of rain.

The game was pushed back one day and now will be played Tuesday night  at 8 at Lamade Stadium. It will be televised by ESPN2.

The 24-hour delay presents Daley will a major dilemma. He could start Quinn, who was slated to pitch Monday, or come back with Magi, the starter in Sunday's 14-1 defeat to Pearland, Texas that dropped Fairfield American into the losers' bracket in the double-elimination tournament.

Magi was hit hard by the powerful team from just outside Houston, giving up four runs and five hits before being pulled with one out in the second inning.

But Daley also was looking ahead, lifting Magi after he tossed only 35 pitches. According to Little League rules, a  pitcher is required to have only one day off if he throws 35 or less pitches in a single game, which would make Magi eligible to return to the mound on Tuesday.

Quinn has not pitched since August 12, when he surrendered eight runs - seven earned - and 10 hits over 5 1/3 inning in Fairfield American's 10-8 victory over New Hamphire in the semifinals of the New England Regionals.

Auburn, Washington stayed alive with a 5-2 victory over Plymouth, Minnesota on Saturday after falling to Fairfield  American, 3-1, in the first round on Monday.

Quinn had the big hit in that game, snapping a 1-1 tie with a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth.

The winner of Tuesday's game advances to the pool B final against Pearland, but would have to beat the Texans twice to  reach Saturday's semifinals.

Monday's postponement actually could work in Fairfield American's favor because if the Fairfielders win Tuesday, Daley would have ace Nick Nardone available to face Pearland on Wednesday.

The 13-year-old Nardone reached the maximum single-game pitch limit of 85 on Friday, when he came within one out of a complete game.

Since he threw 85 pitches, Little League rules dictate that he couldn't pitch for the next four days (Nardone plays shortstop when not pitching). However, Wednesday would be the fifth day since he last pitched, making him eligible to  return to the mound.

Of course, first Fairfield American has to get to Wednesday.

One concern on Tuesday night will be how well the team bounces back from a 13-run defeat. The locals also will be looking to get their offense going after scoring just four runs in their first two LLWS games.