Levi Rudolph said he was "super nervous" before facing Kent (Wash.) Little League in the Northwest Region title game in San Bernardino, but if he was it didn't show. The Lake Oswego (Ore.) Little League hurler frustrated overwhelming favorite Kent, giving up just two runs over five innings to lead the Lakers to a 6-2 victory and a trip to the Little League World Series.
Many veteran observers thought the win was the biggest upset the Northwest Region had seen in twenty years. Kent had dominated every game leading up to the final, including a 14-7 victory over Lake Oswego in earlier group play, and was a favorite to eventually win the Little League World Series.
"I don't think they had seen a curveball like that before. That's what we had hoped," said Ramey. "We think they're a good fastball-hitting team but we wanted to see if they could hit a good breaking ball. And today they weren't able to do it."
Rudolph's heroics didn't end on the mound. In the sixth inning he moved to centerfield and made an amazing catch over the fence to rob their Pacific Northwest rival of a sure home run.
"When it left the bat I thought it was out," said a shocked Ramey. "But then I saw him tracking it. He's a great centerfielder."
Rudolph was more impressed that he was able to accomplish the feat in a contest that actually counted. "I've done it in practice a few times. I always wanted to do it in a game and now I guess I have."
Lake Oswego didn't have much time to celebrate the surprising win. Four hours after clinching a berth in the Little League World Series, the team hopped a plane 2 a.m. local time to fly out to Williamsport. Just enough time to watch Rudolph's catch on Sportscenter and for the team to pinch themselves as they head to the biggest stage of their young athletic careers.
"It's really amazing for a 12-year-old to be on ESPN," said Rudolph. "I can't believe it. It's awesome."
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