Nearly 3 million kids play Little League baseball, all with the dream of playing in the Little League World Series. For the first time in history a team from Lubbock, Texas will actually get the chance.
Early on it looked as if runs for Lubbock Western would be at a premium. Roswell hurler Austin Radar had thrown a no-hitter in his previous outing and kept Lubbock hitters off-balance with six strikeouts through the first two innings.
But in the third inning the team from Buddy Holly's hometown struck for four runs with Arrendono's monstrous dinger and a double to left center off the bat of Williams. That was all the offense Lubbock would need to ensure a trip to Williamsport.
It was on the mound that Williams did most of his damage. Hitting nearly 80-mph on the radar gun, he pitched a complete game shutout--allowing just one hit and striking out fifteen over six innings.
Though Lubbock is just six hours from Waco the team flew directly to Williamsport on Saturday to begin their two-week stay in western Pennsylvania. If successful, Lubbock Western Little League would be just the second team from Texas to win the Little League World Series title.
I am proud of all the young men and women who have made it to the Little League World Series. They have shown dedication that some of the older players have yet to learn. Being from Lubbock, I'll have to root for the Lubbock Westerns when they are playing. The other games will be on a case by case basis. Tomorrow it will be "GO CANADA" as they play Venezuela. Gotta stick with where my friends are.