LLWS UPDATE: Fairfield National loses in US Championship to Nevada, X-X. They will place 3rd-place game on Sunday morning. Story below will be updated.

Four teams are set for Saturday’s semifinals at the Little League World Series. In a runaway, none have sparked interest and conversation quite like the team from Connecticut.

Fairfield’s club representing the Metro Region is relentless on offense. It has outscored opponents 26-5 in four games while pushing the limits of Little League’s extra-bases — a move that can be seen as either clever or sneaky or both.

In Little League, when the ball is in play, runners cannot advance if it is returned to the pitcher and he is back on the mound with the catcher in the catcher’s box. But until then, the runners can keep moving.

Connecticut’s baserunners pressure their opponents by lingering between first and second — essentially daring opponents to try and get a rundown started. If a second runner is on the basepaths, this distraction allows that player to continue advancing while the pitcher is still off the mound.

Against South Dakota on Monday, Connecticut ran the play several times. Twelve straight hitters reached base safely in the top of the sixth, scoring 12 runs to turn a tight game into a 13-1 rout.

Connecticut then went on to beat Nevada on Wednesday. Those teams will play again today in the U.S. championship.

STARS AND STORYLINES: Tommy D’Amura is one of Connecticut’s hottest hitters. Against Nevada, he hit a home run that landed well up the hill that backdrops Lamade Stadium.

Nevada has a similar slugger, Garrett Gallegos. He blasted a three-run homer well over the shrubs in right field to take the lead back from South Carolina in the sixth inning Thursday night.

On the mound, Garrett hasn’t allowed a run in his two appearances. He notably struck out 12 in Nevada’s first matchup against South Carolina on Monday. He will be eligible to pitch on Saturday, but Fescher did not confirm if he will be on the mound.

Connecticut’s ace, Luca Pellegrini, is expected to start. He is known for his fastball — he throws it nearly every pitch. Not because he can’t throw a slider or curveball, but because Luca mastered it.

“When the fastball is pounding the zone and he gets spotted the way this kid does, there’s nobody else on the mound that I’d rather have than Luca Pellegrini,” manager Brian Palazzolo said.