Source: South Williamsport, Pa.
Date/Time: Day, August 20, 8:00pm ET
Monday night brought together the New England champions from Fairfield,
Conn., and the Great Lakes champions from New Castle, Ind., in an elimination
game of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport as New England
claimed a 4-0 win thanks to the superb pitching of Will Lucas, who threw a
complete game no-hitter.
The feat was the first of the 2012 Little League World Series so far.
“It felt really good. I started getting nervous, but I was just trying to throw
strikes. Coach said ‘miss small, aim small’, and I think that worked tonight,”
said Lucas.
When asked whether or not the team discussed the Lucas’ no hitter--something
teammates tend not to do in order to not jinx it--manager Bill Meury said “There
was no discussion about it at all."
In the second inning, New England was the first team to score thanks to a home
run by Matt Kubel and an RBI single from Henry Prestegaard, putting New England
ahead, 2-0.
“It felt good because I got our team on the board, I realized the pitcher was
mixing speeds well, but he gave me a first hit fast ball and I got a piece of
it,” said Kubel.
Both teams put out great defense, leaving the score unchanged through the top of
the fifth inning.
“After I saw him (New England pitcher Lucas) in the bull pen, I knew it was
going to be a good night,” said New England catcher Biagio Paoletta.
New England was able to increase their lead by two in the bottom of the fifth
with a 2 RBI double by Lucas, bringing Ryan Meury and Paoletta home.
The West champions from Petaluma, Calif., and New England face off in a rematch
on Tuesday night at Lamade Stadium. The West won that first game this past
Thursday, 6-4.
“We’ve gotta go out there and hit better than before. We know their lineups
strong and we’ll have to stay strong,” said Lucas.
The winner of the rematch advances while the loser is eliminated from the
tournament.