Photos by Studio Honsa/Baseball.com.au
The first-ever Australian Little League Girls Championship continued in Lismore, NSW on Thursday with Victoria Belles enjoying an epic day on the diamond.
Belles scored four runs in the top of the final inning to defeat Adelaide Seahorses 11-10 and pick up their first tournament victory in walk-off style.
Belles battled back from an early 6-0 deficit and scored all three of their final runs with two outs in the bottom of the last inning.
12-year-old Emily Mills, who started playing baseball just nine months ago, delivered the walk-off winning hit on a ground ball up the middle.
I realised when the last few runners came in that we were tied. Then Tay got a walk and I realised ‘Wow, it’s up to me to get a hit,” Mills said. “I was both nervous and excited.”
It’s the first walk-off hit of Emily’s young career after she spent the summer season with Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club.
“The comeback was really fun because we are all here to support each other and make sure we are all okay and have the best time ever,” she added.
Head coach Leah Trebilcock was thrilled to see the team's great spirit and comeback effort. Audrey Cheung led with 3 RBI, two hits, and a walk, although it was truly a team effort with 10 players reaching base.
Belles are now 1-1 headed into a busy Friday with a morning matchup v Brisbane followed by West Coast Rays.
Check out the official baseball.com.au event hub for more details and stay tuned as the Belles continue their journey.
Follow along on BV Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates.