Day 3 Opens The First Group Of Elimination Games At The 2017 Little League World Series

By BRETT R. CROSSLEY
For Talk Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT—Here’s a look at today’s Little League World Series games for SaturdayTomorrowis the first elimination day of the tournament.

 

Mexico (0-1) vs. Europe-Africa (0-1) at Volunteer Stadium, 1 p.m.

Mexico fell to Latin America, 4-1, in the opening round of the Little League World Series. Mexico took a 1-0 lead early, but gave up the next four to ultimately be pushed down in the bracket. Mexico’s offense couldn’t find any rhythm. Only four players finished with hits.

Mexico will play Europe-Africa, which suffered the lone ten-run-rule defeat in the first round. Simone Ioli logged two hits and will be the focal point for Mexico’s defense.

Mexico will have need to continue to score runs early. This game has the makings of another early ending for Europe-Africa.

 

Mid-Atlantic (0-1) vs. Great Lakes (0-1) at Lamade Stadium, 3 p.m.

The Mid-Atlantic has traditionally been one of the fan-favorites at the Little League World Series and it will need that support later today against the Great Lakes.

The Mid-Atlantic narrowly missed out on advancing after scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth in its opening round game against New England. The rally fell just short as New England opened with a 7-6 win.

Tai Mann finished with two hits and Chris Cartnick added another two to lead the Mid-Atlantic’s offense. The Great Lakes only scored one run and recorded two hits in its opening round loss to Southwest. Early runs in this game could go a long way.

 

Australia (0-1) vs. Caribbean (0-1) at Volunteer Stadium, 6 p.m.

Australia and the Caribbean opened against two of the top International teams in Japan and Asia-Pacific, respectively. Both fell, but it was the Caribbean that looked out of sorts throughout its opening round loss.

The Caribbean scored a run in the opening frame, but only managed one hit the rest of the way while committing an error and giving up nine runs through the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings.

Australia did not fare much better. It only posted two hits in six innings on its way to being shutout. Both of these teams should be able to bounce back and play a good game later today.

 

Northwest (0-1) vs. Midwest (0-1) at Lamade Stadium, 8 p.m.

The nightcap features two teams that loss in very different ways in the first round.

The Northwest committed two errors and walked five batters, which helped the West cruise to a 9-0 win. If those mistakes could be cleaned up the Northwest could rebound and put together a run.

For the Midwest, which gave up the Series’ first perfect game since 2008, it will be imperative to get off to a positive start. Early hits could be big in this game.

 

Be sure to listen to Talk Williamsport throughout the day for updates from each game, beginning in the Bottom of the 2nd Inning in each game, and catch up on what you missed with our game recaps on talkwilliamsport.com following the conclusion of each game.

Don’t forget you can pick up your official Talk Williamsport World Series pins for just $3 at our studios, located at 460 Market Street, Suite 310 in Downtown Williamsport.