WILLIAMSPORT, Penn. – After a history making victory in their first game of the tournament, Hills Little League showed some serious determination and grit, matching it with the powerful Aguadulce Cabezera Little League from Panama, but ultimately Hills were defeated in the cruellest of ways, losing 3-2 after a walk-off base on balls in the bottom of the 6th.
After struggling with Aguadulce Cabzera’s starting pitcher all day, Brent Iredale brought the house down in the top of the 6th after a two-run blast to right field tied the ballgame.
Clayton Campbell made his second start of the World Series, but only ended up throwing two innings; Campbell also claimed a pair of singles, the only Australian to claim multiple hits on the day.
Will Edwards came on in relief and threw strongly, mixing his pitches well and keeping the Latin American side off balance.
Hills’ head coach Les Stockdale was extremely proud of his team.
“You can’t be disappointed with a performance like that,” Stockdale said.
“We didn’t give up all day and really showed a lot of heart. We took it to one of the tournament’s best teams and we’re looking forward to taking on the Caribbean tomorrow.”
Entering the final inning, Australia trailed 2-0, but after Clayton Campbell led off with a single, Brent Iredale had his moment of greatness, blasting a two run shot that tied the ballgame up and sent Australian fans into raptures.
Head coach Les Stockdale praised Iredale’s mindset.
“He’s a really mature kid,” Stockdale said.
“If there is ever a kid that doesn’t get overawed in the moment, it’s Brent. His calmness and approach is first class, it doesn’t phase him.”
Latin America had a chance to steal victory in the final inning, and with two outs and loaded bases, Jose Torres earned a walk and snatched a win for his team.
Hills now takes on Pariba Little League from Willemstad, Curaçao in an elimination game tomorrow at 5pm (7am AEST).