WILLIAMSPORT, Penn. – The Lake Mary All-Stars defeated Chinese Taipei on Sunday 2-1 in the Little League World Series championship game.
“It was the greatest feeling ever,” said Lake Mary’s Lathan Norton, who scored the wining run. “I still haven’t had time to let it all sink in, but it feels like the most amazing thing ever.”
Chinese Taipei got on the scoreboard first in the top of the first inning after Hu Yen-Chun drove in a run on a single.
[MEET THE TEAM: Lake Mary All-Stars]
Lake Mary left the based loaded in the bottom of the second, but was unable to take advantage and left the inning without a run.
Entering the fifth inning, Lake Mary had five hits, but have been unable to get a runner across the plate.
Chris Chikodroff hit a single in the bottom of the fifth, but Lake Mary was not able to gain any momentum and left the inning scoreless with a runner in scoring position.
Entering the bottom of the sixth, Lake Mary needed a run to tie and two runs to win.
Lake Mary’s Chase Anderson got on base after being hit with a pitch before Landon Bono was walked. DJ Mieses stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second and ripped a hit to score a run to tie the game.
Unable to add any more runs, the game moved into extra innings – the first time since 2007 at the LLWS.
Chinese Taipei quickly got two runners on base off of Lake Mary pitcher Lathan Norton in the top of the seventh inning, but was unable to bring anyone home.
In the bottom of the seventh, batter Liam Morrisey struck out, bringing up Luis Calo, who was walked. The next batter Teraj Alexander also struck out. Chris Chikodroff then ripped a double to bring a runner into third.
Lake Mary’s Lathan Norton then struck out, leaving two batters in scoring position.
As per LLWS rules, starting in the eighth inning, the offense began their at-bat with a runner on second base, but Chinese Taipei wasn’t able to bring in any runs.
In the bottom of the eighth, Lake Mary hit a bunt, but the Chinese Taipei overthrew his teammate on first, which allowed Florida to score the winning run who was on second base.
On Saturday, Lake Mary won the national championship after beating Boerne, Texas.
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