Southwest Little League downs Southeast Little League to take US Title

Photo by Kristine Kelly, TexSport Publications
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA (August 26, 2017) Coming back from a 5-0 deficit after three innings, Lufkin posted two runs in each of the final three innings to down North Carolina by the score of 6-5 to win the Little League Baseball United States Championships at Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 26, 2017. As a result of the win, they will face Japan on Sunday, August 27, for the Little League Baseball World Series International Championship.

North Carolina, who was representing the Southeast Region, jumped out to a 5-0 lead after three complete innings; scoring two runs in the second inning and three in the third. Lufkin, who is representing the Southwest Region, tallied their first two runs in the fourth inning on a two run home run by Clayton Wigley. Mark Requena homered in the sixth inning to add to Lufkin's scoring streak.

Right hander Chip Buchanan received the win for Lufkin; throwing 1.1 innings in relief while striking out two. Collin Ross started the game for Lufkin. He tossed 4.2 innings, surrendering five runs, eight hits; while striking out five.

The players from Texas will face a Japanese team that swept through the international bracket with a 4-0 record. They defeated Australia 8-0 on August 18, followed by an 4-1 win over Asia-Pacific on August 20. Their next victory was a 10-0 drumming of Canada on August 23. They closed out their international schedule with a 5-0 win over Mexico to win the International title earlier in the day (August 26). Game time is set for 3 PM CDT on Sunday, August 27.