Little League World Series: Day 8 Recap

We are down to the final four in Williamsport after Thursday’s action. It will be Texas and North Carolina on the U.S. side and Japan and Mexico from the International bracket. Here’s a look at how it went down on Day 8 and a look ahead to Saturday’s contests.

Thursday’s Games (Elimination Games):
Mexico 6, Canada 2
Texas 14, Connecticut 4 (5 innings)

Friday—No Games

Saturday’s Games—International and U.S. Championship Games:
12:30 p.m.—Mexico vs. Japan (ABC)
3:30 p.m.—Texas vs. North Carolina (ABC)

Texas’ Collin Ross (#17) is greeted by teammates after his 3-run first inning homer on Thursday at the Little League World Series. Photo Courtesy of Little League Baseball and Softball

U.S. Player of the Day—Collin Ross, Texas
The center fielder started the onslaught for Texas in the first inning, and the boys from the Lone Star State never looked back. Ross blasted a three-run home run to center, and Texas would add five more runs in the frame to take a commanding 8-0 lead over Connecticut. He also singled in the fifth inning and came around to score the final run of the mercy rule-shortened game. Ross finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Texas will take on North Carolina in a rematch for the right to play for the World Championship.

Mexico’s Jorge Garcia heads home on his solo home run Thursday at the Little League World Series. Photo courtesy of Little League Baseball and Softball

International Player of the Day—Jorge Garcia, Mexico
The first baseman was a steady influence at the plate for a Mexican team that was able to push past the upstart Canadians and earn a spot in Saturday’s International Championship game. Garcia was 2-for-3 with a solo home run to pad Mexico’s lead. He played solid defense for the team from Guadalupe as well. Garcia and his teammates will square off against a formidable Japanese team on Saturday.

BA Intern Conor Hynes contributed to this report