By BRETT R. CROSSLEY
WILLIAMSPORT–The Great Lakes decided to intentionally walk the batter before Zach McWilliams to make a force out at every base.
McWilliams immediately make the Great Lakes regret the decision as he stuck quick for a grand slam.
The resulting runs were enough as the Southeast defeated Great Lakes, 8-4.
The win means the Southeast will take on fan favorite Mid-Atlantic in the US Bracket Championship Saturday at Lamade.
Devin Obee and Spencer Newman opened the game with back-to-back doubles to help the Great Lakes build a 2-0 lead over the Southeast.
Newman singled to open the third and came around on a throwing error at third. John Guthrie, who reached on a walk, scored on the error as well to give the Great Lakes a 4-2 lead.
McWilliams countered an inning later with a grand slam to dead center field.
The bases were loaded with a hit batter, single, and a walk loaded the bases for McWilliams, who has been one of the main standouts on the Southeast. Carson Rucker reached on a single and scored on an error to put the Southeast up 7-4.
A hit batter and double from Ryan Oden helped the Southeast score its first run of the game. Oden advanced to third on the throw home and scored on a wild pitch to tie the game.
Southeast 8, Great Lakes 4
SE 020 501-8 9 1
GL 202 000-4 8 1
Ryan Oden, RJ Moore (5), and Tanner Jones. Isaiah Head, Drew Wolfram (4), and Wolfram.
WP: Oden. LP: Wolfram.
Top Southeast hitters: Zach McWilliams 1-3, GS, run, 4 RBI. Top Great Lakes hitters: Spencer Newman 3-3, 2B, 2 runs, RBI.
