Matching the Scrappers and the Dragons in the division for 11- and 12-year-olds, the players put on a show, smashing countless impressive hits and even a home run.
By the time the game ended, the scoreboard favored the Scrappers 22-4, yet the final score was only a small piece of the story.
Perhaps more important than the game’s final tally were the smiles on players’ faces, the high-fives with teammates and the overall experience.
Long’s home run highlights action
Although both teams banged out numerous hits over the course of the game, no single smash was more impressive than that by 11-year-old Scrappers shortstop McKayla Long.
After hammering a long fly ball just foul in her third trip to the plate, Long drilled a long home run over the left-center fence much to the delight of her teammates.
Sprinting around the bases with glee after her long bomb, Long slowed up near home and tagged the plate with her hand as teammates mobbed her.
“The pitch was high and down the middle, and I hit it hard,” Long said about her home run.
Team spirit evident during contest
In addition to the game’s on-field action, cheers between teammates and congratulations between fellow players highlighted the show.
Discussing his favorite parts of Little League Baseball, Scrappers second basemen Kevin Purkat was frank, stating that he plays because of his teammates.
“I like baseball because we have fun and win,” Purkat said. “I like playing with my teammates.”
Players cherish the overall experience
As is often the case with Little League Baseball, players on both teams departed the field with smiles on their faces.
“I think we can still work on our fielding and hitting, but so far, the season is going really good,” Scrappers first baseman JJ Bruner said.
With plenty of games left in their season, Bruner and others still have plenty of time to improve.