Following a six-run fifth inning, the Pearland All Stars, now representing the Southwest Region of the U.S. in the Little League World Series, overcame an early 2-0 hole to leave game one in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with an 8-3 victory.
Pearland’s rally began in the third inning when catcher Ethan Richardson had a run batted in, or RBI, single at the top of the inning that got Pearland on the board.
After a double play by Pennsylvania that emptied the bases for Pearland, shortstop Jacob Zurek hit a double to right field to get into scoring position. He was followed by infielder Kaiden Shelton, who tied the game at two with a bloop hit that found green space between two Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania players.
At the top of the fifth, the fireworks really started popping for Pearland. It began with Zurek giving the All Stars the lead with an RBI single right up the middle that passed the outstretched arms of the Pennsylvania shortstop and brought Jacolby Mayberry home.
Following a walk that loaded the bases, infielder Jackson Wolfe gave Pearland a three-run cushion with a two-run RBI double. He was followed by Landon Karel, who hit another double to score two more runners and give Pearland a 7-2 lead it never relinquished. Pearland scored an additional run before the fifth ended.
Pennsylvania scored one run at the bottom of the sixth inning, but it was not enough to rally. Starting pitcher Corey Khan threw 66 pitches, giving up two earned runs. Shelton came in relief. He pitched 33 times, only allowing one run.
Back at home, Pearland supporters gathered at several locations in the city, including at Willie’s Grill and Icehouse, Magnolia Cajun Comfort, Iguanas Ranas Cantina Pearland, Hometown Bar and Grill, both Center Court Pizza and Brew locations and Vallensons Brewing Company.
Pearland will take on the winner of Hawaii-New York on Monday at 6 pm CT.
