WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – One victory down. Five more to go.
The Lake Mary All-Stars won its first game in the 2024 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
As one of only 20 teams from around the world to make it to the World Series, it was a big moment for the All-Stars, who went up against Midwest Champion Sioux Falls in the first round on Wednesday night.
The tournament is double elimination, meaning that teams must lose twice before they’re out of the running. But that wasn’t the case for Lake Mary in its initial matchup.
[MEET THE TEAM: Lake Mary All-Stars]
Lake Mary found themselves trailing behind Sioux Falls after the first four innings of the game, with the scoreboard at 1-0.
However, the team loaded the bases in the top of the fifth inning, which is when Liam Morrisey delivered, smoking a single up the middle to score Landon Bono, which tied the game at 1-1.
It wouldn’t stay that way for long, though. The bases remained loaded for the next batter, Luis Calo, and he sent a sacrifice fly to the right — deep enough for Garrett Rohozen to tag up and score the go-ahead run.
In the end, Lake Mary triumphed with a score of 2-1.
Lake Mary All-Stars’ starting pitcher, JJ Feliciano, was unflappable on the mound, allowing only one run on an infield single. After reaching the 85-pitch Little League limit, Calo came on relief to retire the final Sioux Falls batter.
Lake Mary moves into the winner’s bracket and will play their next match on Friday.
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While the All-Stars were playing on Wednesday, Friendly Confines in Lake Mary was packed.
Michelle Rohozen and Stephanie Norton watched with excitement as they watched their sons take part in the match.
“This is our first experience of watching it on this side of the fence. Usually, we’re in the stands. We don’t get to see this side of it. I have to say that being a part of the other fans and watching them on TV is surreal,” Norton said.
The moms say that they also feel the pressure for a big win.
“I was nervous all day, knowing and counting down,” Rohozen said. “It’s emotional because I’ve been at every game since he was 3 years old.”
“He’s enjoying every minute of this. This has been a dream come true for him,” Norton added.
Family and supporters of the All-Stars said they will once again show their support on Friday.
Ahead of Wednesday’s match, News 6′s Justin Warmoth met with siblings and fans of the Lake Mary team for a traditional tumble down the hill overlooking the field at Lamade Stadium. To watch that, click here.
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