One of the stars of Fairfield National is gearing up for the biggest start of his young life.

Luca Pellegrini has become a household name thanks to his performance in this year's Little League World Series.

In addition to his rock-solid defense and stellar performance at the plate, Pelligrini has racked up 17 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched without allowing an earned run.

His father Vic says he knew Luca's work ethic was special at a young age.

"It's absolutely wild, but he had this dream," he said.

At 9 years old, Luca started working with MLB defensive coach and infield guru Tucker Frawley.

"When we would go hitting in the cages with the HitTrax machine, he always picked Williamsport," his father says. "You get to pick all the stadiums, Yankee stadium, anywhere else...he always picked Williamsport. This was his dream to get here, and I truly believe that's what really propelled him to achieve what he always wanted which was to be here."

Pellegrini will likely be the starting pitcher for Saturday's game, which starts at 3:30 p.m.

Fairfield National takes on Las Vegas, a team it beat 7-3 on Wednesday.