SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.
One more win.
That’s all the Mill Creek All-Stars need before clinching a trip to the ultimate Little League experience – the World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
Mill Creek advanced to the championship game of the Northwest Regional tournament with a 15-1 victory over Montana on Aug. 7 in a game cut short to five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
Representing the state of Washington, Mill Creek will face Oregon, 6-0 winners over Wyoming on Thursday, at 6 p.m. Saturday in a game that will be televised live on ESPN.
“We’re feeling very excited. The kids set their goals to go to Williamsport and we’re one game away,” Mill Creek manager Scott Mahlum said.
Mill Creek defeated the Murrayhill, Oregon, team 18-1 on Wednesday.
“It’s going to be a totally different game. The game we played (Tuesday) was a meaningless game that basically was about finding out who the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds were. Neither team pitched their No. 1 (pitcher). It will a be a tougher game,” Mahlum said noting that last year’s Washington representative, the Kent Little League, also cruised through the tournament before bowing out to Oregon 6-2 in the final.
Mill Creek’s offense was again led by Jason Todd (2-for-3, two doubles, three RBI) and Joakim Soderqvist (home run, three RBI). Soderqvist’s fifth-inning homer traveled an “estimated 320-330 feet”, according to Mahlum.
Mahlum’s son Derrick picked up the victory, pitching a complete game by allowing one run on four hits and striking out six.
“Our pitching and defense was fabulous again tonight. The hitting makes the margin of victory,” Scott Mahlum said.
Todd will get the start for Mill Creek on Saturday with a chance to play in a once in a lifetime experience.
“It’s a dream come true for every father that’s ever coached a Little League team and for every kid that’s ever played in a Little League game,” Mahlum said.
The Gold Creek Community Church at 4326 148th St. SE in Mill Creek will be showing the championship game on Saturday. For more information contact Craig Miller at 425-876-2418.
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