PA vs. TX -- US Championship LL game thread ...

[Tom McAndrew]

Wagner with 3 Ks for PA in the top of the 1st. He was throwing smoke, and painting the corners. He only threw 14 or 15 pitches, which is pretty low for 3 Ks.

Nice rematch of Wednesday night's winner's bracket final, which PA won.

 

[AWS1022]

Wagner can flat out hit

 

[psu00]

Wagner can flat out hit

Pennsylvania 1-0. Top of 2nd.

 

[T J]

Home run for Red Land!
1-0 end of first

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Wagner goes yard in the bottom of the 1st, to put PA up 1-0. PA was swinging at 1st pitches, and had to groundouts to 3rd and a high pop-up to 2nd (in short right center). TX's pitcher has not pitched in the LLWS, and only threw to 1 batter in the SW Regionals. He doesn't seem to have an arm that will get many (if any) Ks. If PA is a little more patient with him, they should get a bunch of hits. The TX pitcher didn't throw many pitches in the 1st inning, so he's got that going for him.

 

[AWS1022]

Wagner needs to change speeds...too many fast balls.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

TX starts off with a double and a single in the top of the 2nd (runner advances to 3rd). Wagner gets a K for the 1st out. During the 2nd batter, the runner on 1st attempted to steal, then Wagner (the pitcher) picked off the throw to 2nd (or it was a poor throw to him; tough to tell), and when the ball got away from Wagner the TX runner scored from 3rd (and the runner stole 2nd). Then on a WP, the guy on 2nd advanced to 3rd. Wagner got the 2nd out with another K (called 3rd strike right down the middle). Then Wagner got the 3rd out on another K, on a called 3rd strike. 1-1 after the top of the 2nd. Wagner's pitch count is in the high 20s (at that rate, he won't last the entire game).

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Wagner needs to change speeds...too many fast balls.

Could be a problem. Depends on how much movement is on the ball, and how much he stays out the center of the plate. If his pitch is super fast, he can throw it pretty much all the time, and rarely have to worry about it. All that said, once he establishes the fastball (which he clearly has), mixing it up will keep the TX team on their toes, and have them out in front of a lot of pitches.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I know I'm getting old and my eyes are strained from many years of watching Big 10(14) officiating.....but you'd think LL could come up with uniforms that are not quite as close color wise.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

After 3 innings, it's 1-1. The PA kids are getting their hacks in against the TX pitcher, but so far their only hit is the HR by Wagner. The TX pitcher's pitch count is really low, with so many early swings for ground outs by the PA team.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

TX takes the lead in the top of the 4th. Wagner gave up a walk to the leadoff batter. Then with 2 outs he gave up a double to right center. The right fielder had trouble getting the ball from under the padding, allowing the TX runner to score. The TX at-bat ended with a flyout to right field, and TX up 2-1 after 4 1/2. Wagner will lead up for PA in the bottom of the 4th.

 

[ChiTownLion]

That second baseman from PA stays cool in the clutch. Braden Kolmansberger.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Wagner struck out in the bottom of the 4th, but Henline went yard to right center with a solo HR to tie it up, 2-2. That's how it ended, so after 4 innings it's 2-2.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

3 down in the top of the 5th, so still tied 2-2. Wagner has thrown 76 pitches for PA, so he will probably reach his pitch limit in the 6th inning.

Farmer (TX) still has a low pitch count, ad while not overpowering, he's only given up 2 hits.

Less offense from PA than I had expected, and better pitching for TX than I had expected.

 

[AWS1022]

TX coach said they don't intentionally walk guys...if it's still tied in the bottom of 6 when Wagner comes up, we'll see whether he sticks to that or not.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Wagner gets Ks for the 1st 2 batters in the top of the 6th. He reaches his pitch count, so Henline come in to relieve. TX's best hitter, Mack, is the first to face him. and he fouled out to Wagner (moved to 1st). So we move to the bottom of the 1st still tied, 2-2. As AWS mentioned, Wagner will bat in the inning. If you walk him, I believe you have to face Henline, who has PA's other HR in the game.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

The kid from Texas pitched a nice game.....the sheepish look on his face when he struck out Wagner earlier in the game was pretty cool,

 

[Class of 67]

Wagner with 3 Ks for PA in the top of the 1st. He was throwing smoke, and painting the corners. He only threw 14 or 15 pitches, which is pretty low for 3 Ks.

Nice rematch of Wednesday night's winner's bracket final, which PA won.

Just saw a fan sign thanking PSU for Redlands fans using the "We Are" chant.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Kolmansberger leads off for PA, with Wagner to follow. Farmer (TX pitcher) has 60 pitches thru 5 innings. Kolmansberger walks on 4 pitches to lead off the bottom of the 6th. Wagner, who leads the LL in HRs at Williampsort, steps up to the plate. But before he does, TX makes a pitching change, and brings in Gutierrez. I believe Gutierrez struck out Wagner on Wednesday night. Ball, swing and a miss, ball, swing and a miss, ball, to run a full count. And ... a called 3rd strike on the inside corner for the K (great pitch by Gutierrez. One down. That brings up Henline for PA, the only other PA hitter to get a hit (a HR) in today's game. Hendline rips it past 2nd, and the guy on 1st goes to 3rd. So 1st and 3rd with 1 out. TX coach has a meeting with the infielders to explain what to do on any hits in the infield. They also bring in the outfielders. Krauss is at bat for PA. He fouls off the 1st pitch. He fouls off the 2nd pitch to go 0-2. High with the next pitch, 1-2. Another foul down the 3rd base liine (on an outside pitch no less). He rips it into right field for a single, and PA wins the game, 3-2!

Way to go Red Land!!!!!!!!!!!!! USA Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They'll play Japan tomorrow in the LLWS.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Two very well played games today.....impressed by all four teams.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Also thought the home plate umpire for the Tx - Pa game was very very good.

 

[psu00]

Record LLWS crowd today 45,716 (that's like double the attendance for a Pitt game). I'm betting it gets broken again tomorrow.

 

[Mr. Potter]

That second baseman from PA stays cool in the clutch. Braden Kolmansberger.

View embedded media

Great Post ChiTownLion.

 

[Nitwit]

Great win for the We Are guys. Does anyone know how the pitchers match up for tomorrow? This is more fun than watching the MLB.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Does anyone know how the pitchers match up for tomorrow?

I don't think they have to announce their pitchers in advance.

Wagner, who pitched most of today's game, and Adam Cramer, who pitched Wednesday's game for Red Land, are both out for tomorrow's game against Japan. Anybody that reaches the 85 pitch count must rest for 4 calendar days before their next start.

Henline, who threw 4 pitches in today's game, is available to go in Sunday's game. I'm pretty sure that PA had it set up that Wagner would pitch Saturday, and Henline would pitch Sunday.

Also, I'm not sure if it was posted in another thread, but the Red Land team bused to State College on Friday, and were allowed to attend a PSU football practice. After the practice ended, the two teams were signing things for each other, and wishing each other good luck, etc.

 

[T J]

Also, I'm not sure if it was posted in another thread, but the Red Land team bused to State College on Friday, and were allowed to attend a PSU football practice. After the practice ended, the two teams were signing things for each other, and wishing each other good luck, etc.

Good commentary, as usual Tom.

Seems the Red Land team had a very good visit in Happy Valley.

The video of Franklin's challenge is a classic.

Penn State football team really got a kick out of the Red Land practice visit too.

Fun times for both teams.

 

[PortlandLion]

Just happens I'm sitting here in a coffee shop in Pearland. But, no mention of the game all day.

 

[NedFromYork]

Sports is just bigger in PA than TX!

Red Land from York County, PA! Scrimmaged them preseason in basketball all of the time.

 

[PSUHusky]

Did anyone else take notice that Cole Wagner didn't celebrate with his team after the game? He was actually complaining to his dad and almost looked as though he was crying.

When the team ran to the outfield to celebrate he was no where to be found.

I realize he's 12-13 but that's not a good look.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Did anyone else take notice that Cole Wagner didn't celebrate with his team after the game? He was actually complaining to his dad and almost looked as though he was crying.

When the team ran to the outfield to celebrate he was no where to be found.

I realize he's 12-13 but that's not a good look.

Did not notice that but noticed more than a couple of times where, after a strikeout, PA players pounded their bats into the ground on the way back to the dugout. Also not a good look.

 

[Relayer]

Wagner seems like a prima donna. I was looking for him during the celebration too and didn't see him. Every time he swung through a pitch he pounded his bat into the ground, or made some kind of gesture. Agree that it doesn't look good. The Texas kids handled the loss with class.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Wagner seems like a prima donna. I was looking for him during the celebration too and didn't see him. Every time he swung through a pitch he pounded his bat into the ground, or made some kind of gesture. Agree that it doesn't look good. The Texas kids handled the loss with class.

Was impressed with the TX manager every time I heard him.....very impressed. Not sure what his regular job is, but I hope he's an elementary school teacher. He has a great way with kids.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Was impressed with the TX manager every time I heard him.....very impressed. Not sure what his regular job is, but I hope he's an elementary school teacher. He has a great way with kids.

He's a teacher, but not an elementary school teacher. His real job is a law professor at South Texas College of Law, in Houston, TX. If you want more background, he grew up on Long Island, graduated from Michigan, and got a law degree from Boston University.

I was impressed with him throughout the LLWS.

 

[psugisher]

Wagner seems like a prima donna. I was looking for him during the celebration too and didn't see him. Every time he swung through a pitch he pounded his bat into the ground, or made some kind of gesture. Agree that it doesn't look good. The Texas kids handled the loss with class.

Usually not good to jump to conclusions. Kid had a migraine and was in a lot of pain. He showed some frustration. He's 12. These kids have handled all the attention and represented themselves pretty darn well. All I've seen is good sportsmanship from these kids and the teams they've played against. It's been a great tournament. The judgement of of a kid based on a few moments caught on tv is mind boggling to me.

We are.. Red Land

 

[Tom McAndrew]

FWIW, I'm surprised the TX coach didn't bring an outfielder in to act as a 5th infielder. The cards did just that last night against the Giants. It didn't work but it's still a good move.

I wonder if that would have worked.

First, it's usually a mistake to try to implement something in a LL game if you've never practiced it. Perhaps the TX team had practiced the 5 infielder defense, though I'd be surprised if they had. It's not something I ever practiced with any LL teams I coached, including those in postseason play.

Second, even if TX had practiced that D, it's questionable if it would have worked. Krauss (the PA kid that had the winning RBI) had pulled the ball all night against Farmer. Against the replacement TX pitcher, he pulled 3 balls foul up the 3rd base line, including 1 ball that was outside. Plus, PA had a runner on 1st, so the TX first baseman would have to have been playing pretty close to the bag. If I were setting the D in that situation, with runners on 1st and 3rd and 1 out, and Krauss pulling everything, I probably would have had the 3rd baseman guarding the line, the SS in the hole, either the 2nd baseman or the outfielder to the 3rd base side of 2nd base, the 2nd baseman in normal position (which would have been cheating toward 2nd to get a DP), and the 1st baseman not more than a few steps from 1st base, then Krauss's hit (where he took an outside pitch and lined it between 2nd and 1st, closer to the 1st baseman) would still have been a hit even with 5 infielders. You'd also have to consider that Kolmansberger (the kid on 3rd) was really fast, whereas Krauss was pretty slow, so on anything other than a rocket right at an infielder that was fielded cleanly, TX was going to have to try to get a DP, and with 5 infielders their normal DP dynamics were likely to be out of kilter.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

The aggressive base running the play before was brilliant.

Bingo! When Henline hit the single in the penultimate at bat, I immediately thought that Kolmansberger would have to stop at 2nd. The ball was hit pretty hard to RF, and the RFer didn't have to move all that much. (Going from memory, but I think it was a bit to his right.) Kolmansberger never hesitated going around 2nd, and made it into 3rd without a throw. It seemed that the lack of a throw was due to TX being surprised that he'd continued to 3rd, though it's also possible that they were trying to keep Henline at 1st.