By: Amber Pennycuff
Tennessee was eliminated in the Little League World Series tonight and will not be advancing in Williamsport on Thursday. The double-elimination game served as South Nashville’s second loss, following the first fall to the New England region.
However, Tennessee’s efforts knocked the ball out of the park this evening.
Golden Tate’s statement was certainly a fit for the night: “Back back back back Gone!” As the Pope John Paul II high school alumni and NFL all-star tweeted out “Sorry Seattle but I’m rooting for the home state in the Little League World Series. Go Tennessee,” in support of his home state.
Tennessee up 0-2 in the top of the third gave up five runs before reaching the bottom- half of the inning, bringing the score 6-2.
But the South Nashville team bounced back, as they held Washington at six runs in the top of the fourth. Up to the plate in the bottom of the fourth, Tennessee picked up two more runs for the scoreboard. Ben Pickman hit his second home run of the Little League World Series bringing the score 6-5.
South Nashville’s Tanner Morgan held the Washington team allowing no runs the next two innings. In the top of the fifth, Morgan had two outs on the board with bases empty. The team gained the third out at first base with a bunt to ignite the bottom of the fifth.
The South Nashville Little League updated its status minutes after the elimination game saying “So much to be proud of tonight… Our coaches coached with class, our parents were amazing and our kids played with grit and heart! Thank you all for cheering us on.”
The Tennessee team was one game away from advancing to the United States Championship, and that in itself, is an accomplishment.
Williamsonsource.com will keep you updated on the latest news from the South Nashville Team as they make their way back to the southeast.
