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"We rarely go against the mojo," said Thorne. "We try to repeat things when things are going well and it's worked."
It certainly has. The team's 8-2 victory over Lake Oswego (Ore.) in the Little League World Series U.S. semifinal marked its 20th straight win since the all-star team was formed nearly two months ago. During their undefeated run, the West Texas squad has dominated every level of tournament play, with not a single team coming within three runs.
The formula is quite simple: give the ball to staff ace Garrett Williams and wait for a three-run home run. That's why Thorne brought in Williams, the hottest pitcher in Williamsport, with two runners on in the second inning to snuff out an early Lake Oswego rally.
"I knew we were going to get a smoke fire from Oregon," said Thorne. "With Garrett we have the best smoke."
At first it appeared the mojo might've abandoned Lubbock Western. Williams, forced to avoid the curveball for fear of a wild pitch, was punished when pitcher Calvin Hermanson hit a fastball down the left-field line to drive in two. For Williams, who struck out 17 in his last appearance, it was a bit of a wake-up call.
"I just had to focus a little more and put the ball in the strike zone," said Williams. "If I did that. I knew they couldn't hit it."
As for the three-run dinger that put Lubbock Western up for good, those duties belonged to Bryndan Arredondo and Taylor Bridges. No one was quite sure who was more excited--the 12 year-olds who knocked the ball over the fence or their manager/first base coach, Thorne, who excitedly ran down the line with them.
"The most miraculous thing I get to do is watch these kids launch from first base," said Thorne. "It's a great view. They're amazing."
With the victory, Lubbock Western clinched a matchup with the winner of the Arizona/Georgia game in the U.S. final on Saturday--putting them just two wins away from a Little League World Series championship title.
For now, the team from the Lone Star State will continue to step over the baseline, take infield practice in the same order and try to eat the same pizza and hot dogs they have all week. You don't mess with something as powerful as "Texas Mojo."
So sad to see Lake Oswego go...