Paseo Verde Little League’s Wyatt Erickson showcased his pitching prowess in a dominant performance against South Shore from Staten Island, New York, during the opening round of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Despite not needing to pitch a gem, Erickson delivered an outstanding performance by scattering five hits and striking out eight batters to lead his team to a resounding 9-1 victory.
Erickson’s stellar pitching was complemented by a strong offensive showing from his teammates. Russell McGee and Noah Letalu each contributed two hits and an RBI, helping Paseo Verde secure an 11-hit attack. McGee, in particular, credited his success to his ability to block out the pressure of the big-game atmosphere and deliver a crucial hit for his team.
Coach Adam Johnson emphasized the importance of the team’s early lead in setting the tone for the game. Despite South Shore managing to score a run on an error in the fourth inning, Paseo Verde maintained control of the game with a 3-0 lead after Erickson’s two-run double in the third inning. Johnson highlighted the team’s resilience in responding to South Shore’s attempts to narrow the gap, ultimately securing a comfortable lead with a five-run fifth inning.
Erickson faced a minor challenge in the fifth inning when South Shore mounted a potential rally with two hits and offensive momentum. However, a crucial play by left fielder Luke Lentz, who threw out a runner at home plate, halted South Shore’s momentum and prevented them from capitalizing on their scoring opportunity. Johnson praised his team’s ability to capitalize on momentum and credited their hard work for their success in maintaining control of the game.
The victory marked a positive start for Paseo Verde in the Little League World Series, following their loss to Montana in the Mountain Region tournament. Johnson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and their ability to seize momentum, highlighting their dedication and hard work as key factors in their success.
Looking ahead, South Shore, the Metro Region champion, will face Midwest Region champ Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in a losers‘ bracket game. Paseo Verde, on the other hand, will prepare for their next matchup at noon on Monday against the winner of the game between Wailuku, Hawaii, and Hinsdale, Illinois. With Erickson’s standout performance setting the tone for the team’s success, Paseo Verde looks poised to continue their impressive run in the Little League World Series.