It was a grounder, but it had some zip, and it rolled through the legs of the Dodgers' second baseman. The runner for the Twins saw the error and took a chance rounding first to leg out the double.
The second baseman retrieved the ball and raced to the base, reaching for the runner's outstretched leg. Out!
It was the third and final out of the third inning (7-8 Year-Old Maadi Little League plays three innings per game, with each side of an inning ending after 6 runs or 3 outs) and it earned the Dodgers a dramatic 16-15 victory after trailing most of the game.
Having scored the maximum 6 runs in every inning so far this season, the Dodgers brought just 4 home in the top of the first as the Twins displayed excellent defense. Until the bottom of the third, each team scored the 6 run maximum from that point forward. Thus, the bottom of the third began with the Dodgers holding a 16-12 lead. They could only allow three runs on a day in which their defense had been struggling.
The inning started with a line drive that sailed over the center fielder's head for a triple. The next batter brought him home with a sacrifice single. The Dodgers' prospects were grim.
The defense tightened. The next batter hit a dribbling grounder to the pitcher who made the throw to first for the out. A single. Then a home run. Three runs. Two outs.
The next batter, as described above, ignored the first base coach and stretched for the double. Base running is an overlooked skill. Out. Victory Dodgers.
(Coaching Little League is cool)
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| Getting Caleb geared up for catcher |
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| Maddie plays third |
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| Tim revels in victory |
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