San Francisco Little League

SFA new they were going to be in a much tougher game then any of their  previous games, but none of us knew how tough it would be. Loiuis  Gaitley pitching for SFA was going toe to toe with the pitcher for TC. Both  teams were held scoreless through the first two innings. TC struck first  with one out in the top of the third, TC hits a double down the left field line. The next batter hits a line drive over second base to score the runner from second. TC 1 SFA 0. In the bottom half of the third, after 2  were out, Lois Gaitley, Willie Reader and Kyle Wilkinson all hit singles to tie the score at 1-1. The score remained at 1-1 until the bottom of the fifth. After retiring the first batter of the inning SFA had the top of the order coming up. Louis Gaitley hit a looping fly ball over first base, the second baseman came running over as the first baseman was backing up on the ball and neither player could come up with the ball as it dribbled softly after touching down inches from both defenders. Next Willie Reader singles on a sharp line drive to right center, too hard hit for Louis to advance to third. With first and second Kyle Wilkinson hits a grounder down the third base line. This looked like trouble for SFA as the third baseman just needed to field the ball and step on third for the force, but the ball had a bit of spin on it and somehow to everyones surprise got by the third baseman. Louis Gaitley running hard rounded third and scored easily. With the ball spinning, rolling and trickling softly away from the third baseman and still a ways from the left fielder, Willie Reader took off for home. Stunned from the play on the ball at third, TC was late reacting and the throw home was off line and mishandled by the catcher. SFA 3 TC 1, Kyle then ends up on third. DJ steps up and rips a ground ball single to right scoring Kyle. SFA 4  TC 1. Louis Gaitley pitched a 1,2,3  6th and SFA are District Champions. Both pitchers pitched great, both threw 81 pitches, but in the end SFA played errorless ball, and got the big hits.

SFA: Louis Gaitley 2 hits, 2 runs. Willie Reader, 2 hits 1 run. Kyle Wilkinson 1 hit, 1 run, RBI. DJ 1 hit, RBI.  Whit Urdan 2 hits. Charlie Dallape 1 hit.

After losing their first 2 games, SFA responded well by winning 7  straight  games. The team showed a lot of heart and played  great baseball throughout the tournament.