Momentum certainly wasn't on Hamden's side entering the Class LL state tournament. The Green Dragons lost seven of their final eight games of the regular season.

They managed to beat Crosby in the play-in game, and their reward was No. 2 Staples and ace left-hander David Speer in the opening round.

With a pair of Division I pitchers, complemented by a lineup that was just as talented, Staples was expected to challenge for a Class LL title. Especially with some added motivation, after falling in the opening round of the FCIAC tournament as the top seed.

Instead, No. 31 Hamden shocked the Wreckers with a 7-3 win Wednesday.

The Green Dragons led 5-1 in the fourth when the game was suspended due to lightning on Tuesday.

Hamden picked up right where it left off though.

"We have good hitters, who were patient," Hamden coach Tony DeAngelo said.

And playing on the road at Staples - a smaller field than most - worked to Hamden's advantage.

Jordan Teague had two hits, including a two-run home run (his first of the season), to lead the Green Dragons' offense.

On the mound, P.J. Scott has emerged as a reliable arm on a pitching staff that was a concern for Hamden for most of the year. He picked up the win against Crosby and came in during the fourth inning to hold off the Wreckers.

"That play-in game really turned things around for us," DeAngelo said. "The kids are ecstatic. They can't wait to get back on field."

Hamden travels to face No. 15 Manchester in the second round today at 3:30 p.m.