BRISTOL, Conn. — Since the format for the Little League New England Regional has changed from pool play to double elimination, the two first-round losers could be two-and-out.

The Biddeford 12-year-old All-Stars face that predicament after the Maine state champions managed just three hits – all singles – in Monday’s 11-0 loss to Newton, Massachusetts, at the Giamatti Little League Center.

“Our bats just weren’t awake today,” said Biddeford assistant coach Clarence Wildes. “This team battles every single game. Today, for some reason, they didn’t show up. I don’t know if it was nerves or what.”

Biddeford gets a day off to regroup before playing an elimination game at 1 p.m. Wednesday against Cranston, Rhode Island.In the second game Monday, Waterford, Connecticut beat Cranston 3-2. Waterford plays Bedford, New Hampshire at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Newton advances to play South Burlington, Vermont at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Newton starter Liam Schofield allowed only one hit – a leadoff single in the second by Ashton Crowell, whose ground ball hit the third-base bag – and struck out five over four innings.

Only two Biddeford batters reached against Schofield, who hit Tommy Gonneville Jr., with two outs in the first.

Crowell and pinch hitter Kobe Laverriere each singled in the fifth, the only inning in which Biddeford put two runners on base.

Before Crowell’s hit in the fifth, Schofield had retired eight straight batters.

“It’s something we’ve seen a lot this year,” said Newton Manager John Taft. “On average, we’ve been giving up about two runs a game, so we’re used to the pitching performances we get.”

In year’s past, teams were guaranteed four games in pool play.

But with all the tournament contests broadcast on ESPN3 for the first time, the format was altered, which means fewer games to crown a regional champion.

“I liked the old format better,” Wildes said. “Two games is tough. It’s not a knock on the tournament. I understand why they’re doing it, trying to move it forward, but pool play is better for the kids.”

Matt Rousselle, who tossed a three-hitter in Biddeford’s 5-0 win over Hall-Dale in Maine’s state championship game, looked strong in a 1-2-3 first inning Monday with two grounders and a strikeout.

But Greg Kuperman ignited Newton’s offense with a home run leading off the top of the second.

Newton, which had 14 hits against four Biddeford pitchers, scored two runs in the second, third and fourth innings before adding one in the fifth and four in the sixth.

Rousselle was followed on the mound by Scott Kelly (third), Brady Wildes (fourth) and Alex McAlevey (sixth).

Clarence Wildes said the team will leave the campus grounds Tuesday to enjoy a “family day” which could include a visit to Lake Compounce amusement park, always a popular destination for teams playing in Bristol.

Wildes also said his squad is far from done and will have its top two pitchers – Rousselle and Brady Wildes – available to pitch Wednesday since they didn’t have a high pitch total in Monday’s game.

“We have to reset for this next game,” Clarence Wildes. “I think we’ll come back strong on Wednesday.”