The Little League World Series began on August 15. Sixteen teams traveled to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to take part. On August 25, the Eastbank team, from Louisiana, won the championship game. They beat Curaçao 8–0 and became World Champions.
After losing to Hawaii in their first game of the tournament, Eastbank won six games in a row. It was a record achievement. Since the tournament expanded, in 2001, no other team has gone on to win after losing its first game. “People from New Orleans and Louisiana are resilient,” says manager Scott Frazier.
Eastbank pitcher Egan Prather, 12, was on the mound for six innings. He found himself in real trouble just once. At the top of the third inning, Curaçao loaded the bases. There was only one out. But after two smart plays at the plate, Prather and his teammates were able to close the inning. No runs were scored.
The game ended when shortstop Stan Wiltz, 12, caught a line drive
line drive
ALANNA DUMONCEAUX—DESIGN PICS/GETTY IMAGES
a baseball hit low and in a straight line
(noun)
Jacob hit a line drive back to the pitcher, who caught the ball.
for the final out. “It felt like my glove was a magnet,” he says.
Stop and Think! Who are the people quoted in this article? How do the quotes add to your understanding? If you were a reporter at the game, who else might you have spoken with? What would you want to learn?
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