With six runs in the top of the first extra inning, Tampa, Fla.(Southeast), earned a berth in Wednesday’s single-elimination quarterfinal round with an 8-2 victory over Shelton, Conn (New England). Tampa, who will likely face Lake Charles, La. (Southwest), Wednesday, got a game-tying one-out home run from Kevin Merrell in the top of the sixth before exploding in the seventh.
“(Merrell’s) home run was the biggest hit of the game,” Tampa coach Joe Maguire said. “We don’t get the rest if we don’t get that one. After he hit the home run, going into the next inning I knew we were in good shape.” Danny Lastra opened the top of the sixth with his first home run of the Little League World Series and that opened the flood gates. “The way this team is, when one guy gets something started, they all get going,” Maguire said.
Ryan and Austin McCullers each had RBI doubles, followed by home runs by Brett Wilkosz and Merrell to cap things off. “The kids knew (this could have been it),” Maguire said. “They knew this could be their last game together. Tampa jumped on top when Merrell doubled and scored on a Lastra single. Merell finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two knocked in. Lastra was 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run. “(Merrell) has been playing with a hamstring injury for the last month,” Maguire said. “I give him credit for even being out there.”
Levi Gilcrease came in for Wyatt Reid, who pitched 4.1 solid innings, and picked up his second victory of the LLWS. Darren Miller pitched the seventh for his second save.“He’s got fight. He’s got a mean streak,” Maguire said of Gilcrease. “He’ll challenge anybody. He wanted to start today.” Shelton goes home with a 1-2 record, but nearly pulled off the upset after opening the LLWS with a 3-1 loss to Waipahu, Hawaii.
*BOX SCORE
Tampa, Fla. 000 101 6 – 8 10 0
Shelton, Conn. 000 110 0 – 2 7 0*
W – Levi Gilcrease (2-0). L – Tyler Tice (0-2). S – Darren Miller (2). 2B – Kevin Merrell (T), Anthony Searles (S), Ryan McCullers (T), Austin McCullers (T). HR – Merrell (T) 2, Danny Lastra (T), Brett Wilkosz (T).
*Pool A Records *– Tampa 2-1, Shelton 1-2.
