Article by: Mathew Sundstrom
The Bank of Queensland Australian Little League team played their first game of the Little League World Series yesterday against the Caribbean in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA.
It was a tough first inning in front of a huge crowd at Volunteer Stadium, however as soon they made their first out the team settled down to play some great baseball.
The second inning saw Australia record their first hit of the tournament when Matthew Coleman crushed a double off the right field wall, while Calvin Eissens settled down and registered the first scoreless inning of the tournament.
By the third inning Australia was able to string some quality at bats together and get on the board scoring their first run. An outstanding catch by left fielder Carter Dowling ended the inning and brought the crowd to their feet in what may be one of the top plays of the World Series this year.
Australia fought to the very end trying to keep the game alive, hits from Javier Pelkonen, Carter Dowling, Daniel Stephenson and a double from Blake Monaghan allowed Australia to score 2 runs and give them a chance to extend the game. However great defense from the Caribbean team ended the game with a score of 16-3.
Although it was a tough start for the Aussies, the team finished the game in great style and looked to be enjoying the whole experience.
Australia will play its second game of the Little League World Series on Saturday August 16 at 12pm (Sunday August 17 at 2:00am AEST on ESPN2).
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