Friends and fans of the Fairfeld American Little League baseball team packed the Colony Grill in Fairfield Thursday to watch their hometown team take on Texas.

Fans initially said they not only expected Fairfield American to win Thursday -- but also to win the whole thing on Sunday. But the mood grew more subdued after Texas put up an eight-run first inning and threatened to win via -- and ultimately won by -- the 10-run mercy rule.

Lauren Iannazzo was among the fans at the Colony Grill. Her brother, Michael, hit an early two-run homer.

But eventually Texas overpowered Fairfield and won 14-4 in a shortened game.

"Win or lose, they all tried," Lauren said.

A former coach of the team was among those at the grill.

"It's a lot of pressure, but these kids are battle-tested," he said. "They're ready."