The 2017 Little League World Series got underway just after 1 p.m. at a warm Volunteer Stadium, as Latin America, represented by the Luz-Maracaibo Little League of Maracaibo, Venezuela took to the field against Mexico, represented by Gaudalupe Trevino Kelly Little League of Reynosa, Mexico.
The first two innings turned into a pitcher’s duel between Latin America starter Jonney Rosario and Mexico starter Jorge Garcia, as both combined for 6 strikeouts over that span and 10 first-pitch strikes to 14 batters.
Mexico did manage to jump out to a slim 1-0 lead thanks to a lead-off home run from Andre Garza that left the yard out to straight-away Center Field. They would not hold that lead for long, however.
In the Top of the 3rd inning, Latin America would kick-off their rally on the bat of Jhann Bozo as he doubled to right field from him lead-off position. During the at-bat of Omar Romero, Bozo would advance to third on a 2-2 wild pitch from Jorge Garcia, and score on the very next pitch as Romero was walked on another pitch that went wide of the plate. Later in the half-inning, Romero would score the go-ahead run for Latin America as he came home on a Juan Faria RBI single hit sharply through the left side.
Mexico would have their best chance to threaten in the game coming in the Top of the 4th inning, as they led-off with a single to Right Field by Jorge Garcia, and two batters later Cesar Manjaraz would walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd. The next batter, Jorge Lambarria, would lineout deep to Right Field, and some goating from Garcia at 2nd caused a wild throw from right that sailed over third base, giving Mexico runners on 2nd and 3rd with two away on the E9. Unfortunately, Samuel Juarez would leave them both stranded as he went down on strikes.
Latin America would earn a walk from pinch-hitter Eudomar Caridad, and that would signal the end for Mexico starter Jorge Garcia, who worked all day to limit the damage caused by Latin America. He would be replaced by Samuel Juarez, who would only get to face two batters, recording one out via a Sac Bunt by Yoendy Pire, and walking Omar Romero. With Abraham Cohen batting, Romero would attempt to start a double-steal, which the Mexico defense bit into, and that allowed Caridad to score from third, pushing the Latin America lead to 3-1. The scoring would be capped off as Juan Faria drove in another insurance run with his RBI single, allowing Latin America to defeat Mexico 4-1.
For Latin America, they now advance in the Winner’s Bracket to face the winner of Canada and Europe-Africa on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at Volunteer Stadium. For Mexico, they will face the loser of Canada and Europe-Africa in an Elimination Game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Volunteer Stadium.
Don’t forget to stay tuned to Talk Williamsport for our In-Game Updates presented by UPMC Susquehanna, the official Sports Medicine partner of the Little League World Series to keep track of all the action from the 2017 Little League World Series, and be sure to pick up your official Talk Williamsport pin at our studio at 460 Market Street Suite 310 for just $3.
