Buendia, Mexico put out Ramstein’s fire
Mexico eliminates Europe from World Series contention
Source: South Williamsport, Pa.
Date/Time: Sunday, August 22, 2010, Noon ET
HA free-swinging approach by Ramstein Air Base combined with a heavy dose of
strikes from Mexico's Aldo Azael Buendia was making quick work of Sunday’s
elimination game.
The Mexican starter needed to get one more out in three pitches or less to stay
under the 65-pitch threshold that would allow him to be used again if his team
advanced to the Pool C championship game. It seemed very possible, even likely,
that Buendia would twirl a 65-pitch complete game.
When Stanford Hurley swung at the first pitch of his at-bat and popped a ball up
on the infield, it appeared Buendia had found a way to do it. But shortstop Alan
Alejandro Alarcon and third baseman Ricardo Puga collided and the ball fell to
the Volunteer Stadium dirt.
Buendia’s complete game would officially come to a close when Tyler Hufana
worked the count to 1-1 and manager Armando Rodriguez removed his starter before
he had a chance to pass 65 pitches. Zain Alejandro Rios finished the game
without event, and Mexico eliminated Ramstein from World Series contention with
an 11-2 victory.
Rodriguez said he never thought about letting Buendia (1-0) throw more than 65
pitches.
“We need all the pitching we can get in this tournament,” Rodriguez said through
interpreter Sergio Guzman. “We hope to use him in the finals.”
Buendia did a lot with his 65 pitches. He went 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine
batters without issuing a walk. Ramstein did have three hits off the
right-hander, including two home runs.
Assistant coach Jason Shock said he felt Buendia was hittable, like all pitchers
in the tournament; his team just wasn’t able to get anything going.
“He was solid, strong and consistent,” Shock said. “It helps to have confidence
in your pitcher like they have in theirs.”
Rodriguez said Buendia didn’t throw many curveballs against Ramstein. Instead,
he relied on his good command to get hitters out.
“He’s got great control overall,” Rodriguez said. “He was just hitting the
spots. He did a great job for us.”
Buendia’s performance allowed Mexico to feel out Ramstein starter Daniel
Harrington (0-1) for a couple innings before scoring four runs in the third
inning. Eduardo Mata stayed hot with an RBI single and Puga delivered a two-run
home run.
Despite a solo home run by Kaleb Stokes in the bottom of the inning, Mexico
never looked back. Mata would finish the game 3-for-4 with two runs and is
hitting .667 in Williamsport. Enrique Penaloza hit a pair of moon shots to right
center, one going all the way to the parking lot behind the stadium.
Penaloza said it was by far the longest home run of his life.
“I feel great,” he said. “I think I can even make history and break the record
for the longest home run at the Little League World Series.”
The victory sends Mexico to another elimination game with the loser of tonight’s
clash between Puerto Rico and Japan. Rodriguez said he will send Mata to the
hill, a challenge he is looking forward to.
Ramstein, however, will not advance out of pool play for the second year in a
row. Shock said he thinks the European champions put too much pressure on
themselves to better represent the region after going 0-3 last year.
What did Ramstein in Sunday was their inability to get hits early in the game
against Buendia.
“Their fire wasn’t there,” Shock said. “We had fire when we played Italy [in the
European championships] and that’s what wins ball games. Unfortunately, their
fire comes from hitting.”