South Vancouver (B.C.) 4 - 1 High Park (Ontario)
The depth of South Vancouver’s pitching talent carried the All-Stars to national victory with a 4-1 win over Ontario, an undefeated team that beat them earlier in the week.
Representing B.C. at the Little League National Championship, the 11- and 12-years-old baseball players from Vancouver won the right to wear the Maple Leaf at the World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Aug. 14 to 24.
In this French-language compelation prepared by the Valleyfield Little League hosts, don't miss the celebratory cap toss at the end.
Madjik Mackenzie pitched in the championship win, holding the undefeated High Park Braves to four hits and one run at Roland-Boyer Stadium in Valleyfield, Que. on Aug. 10.
He struck out seven batters and walked two in 5.2 innings’ work, allowing the only run of the game to come on a homer in the bottom of the fifth. Josh Matsui came in and retired the final batter to end the game.
B.C’s big inning came in the fifth when the Braves couldn’t seem to get their gloves on the ball. Ontario committed four errors (nine total on the night) and South Vancouver scored three unearned runs to take the lead. Ontario answered with its solo shot but it was their only run of the game. Nico Cole scored the All-Stars’ fourth run in the sixth and final inning on yet another High Park error.
In the semi-final the previous day against Alberta, All-Stars manager Brian Perry went with ace starter Joseph Sinclair who had 21 strikeouts and, after the win, added 10 more to lead all pitchers at the tournament with 31. Sinclair shut out Alberta 2-0.
In the win over Alberta, Emma March brought home Matsui on a single RBI to lead 1-0 in the third, then Rod Betonio hit a double and rounded the bases to score when Mackenzie put the ball in play for single. March became the 17th girl to qualify for the Little League World Series since girls were allowed to play in1974. She won't be alone this year; dominant pitcher Mo'Ne Davis from Pennsylvania will also compete.
South Vancouver begins the World Series on Aug. 15 with a game against Mexico’s Linda Vista Little League from Guadalupe. The game begins 10 a.m. Pacific. Watch the live feed online.
