(Little League World Series – www,llbws.org)

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA- A beautiful day brought out many folks as they settled in for the competition between the Southwest (Lufkin, TX) and New England (Fairfield, CT). Conditions were just perfect and clean, as the grass and dirt mounds were perfect after storms cleared the area from the following evening.

The game started off with a close score of 3-3 as both teams were hot in all areas, both offensively and defensively. In the second inning, Christian Mumphery was a key player who put the game into a tight competition. Mumphery’s beautiful home run not only energized the eager and anxious young children in the hillsides, but also the fans. With the close proximity pf Fairfield, the stadium almost felt outnumbered by all the fans from Lufkin. Lufkin was well represented. The next inning brought some discouragement as only four New England players saw time at the plate, as there was only one base hit the entire inning.

Coaches began doing some serious switch ups in the third to fourth innings. Substitutions were happening all across the board from pitching changes, base runners, and hitters. After a glorious “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” was sang, the Southwest team laid more pressure on the New England team as Zach Phipps was substituted in to hit. Right away he was hit by a pitch. Chandler Spencer would add a base hit and Malcolm Deason added a RBI hit. Phipps would go onto score, as catcher Aidan Rivera missed a high ball thrown to home plate. Spencer would go onto steal and score making it 5-3 Southwest over New England.

A small prayer of hope and light was almost given in the next inning. New England would send Ethan Righter to first base. Michael Iannazzo with an almost home run to tie the game. Unfortunately for Iannazzo, Kolby Kovar made a crazy catch that prevented a come back homerun for New England. New England would not see the good side of offense for the rest of the game after that.

In the final minutes of the game Mumphery, again, would come to the plate and hit yet another homerun to make the game 6-3. New England would go onto bat once again with the first batters striking out followed by Aidan Rivera hitting a nice base hit, but was caught in center field to end the game.

Next Round of the Little League World Series

Lufkin, TX will now advance to the winner’s bracket. The next round is Wednesday August 23 at 7:30pm in Lamade Stadium with the winner of the West/Southeast game. Fairfield, CT will head for the loser’s bracket. Their next game against the Northwest is Monday night at 8pm in Lamade Stadium.