The result might not have been what the spirited spectators had hoped for at a viewing party inside the Auburn Avenue Theater on Friday.

But the Auburn All-Stars’ 3-1 opening-round loss in the Little League World Series failed to dampen the spirits of local supporters.

About 100 fans turned out to cheer on the hometown boys, living and dying with every pitch, strike and hit on the theater’s big screen.

“I am emotional wreck, to be honest with you,” said Chris Fox, vice president of baseball operations for the Auburn Little League, as he watched the all-stars battle the New England Regional champion from Fairfield, Conn. “We put so much time into this Little League, and to have it come back to this and to see these boys there, who we’ve coached, who we’ve played with, who we’ve had over to our house overnight, it tears you up.

“I’m white-knuckling it the whole way.”

Also on hand was Mayor Pete Lewis, decked out in his commemorative Auburn Little League T-shirt and cap.

“Just watching these kids, I feel like I’m going to have a heart attack at any time,” Lewis said. “I’m just so excited for them.

Lewis said the turnout at the theater reflects Auburn’s genuine spirit.

“They (the community) really do come out and support the kids,” Lewis said. “Talk about team spirit. This is what we do here.”

Fox also said he was pleased with Auburn’s support of the team.

“It’s just indicative of our community, from our own Little Leaguers who have shown up, to the mayor and his office and every business that has donated money to us,” he said. “We are as grateful as we could ever be. I can’t say enough to everybody who has helped.”

Before the game, drivers along Auburn Avenue were treated to the a group of Auburn Little Leaguers, amped to watch their teammates and friends play in the biggest game of the year.

“I’ve played with a couple of them, and one of them is my best friend, Ryan Lacey,” said Conner Murphy, 13. “We always thought he’d end up being a professional basketball player, but he ended up being a better baseball player.”

“I just like to see them play because they’re just such good players, and I know most of them and their little brothers,” said Brendan McGraw, 10. “And I’ve played with some of them, too.”

For more information on how the community can financially support Auburn Little League visit:Auburn Reporter story.

For details on the game go here..