AUSTINTOWN’S RUN MEETS AN END

GREENVILLE NC- Austintown’s Little League squad put up a fight but fell 3-1 to Southeast in a do-or-die game on Saturday. Even with six hits to Southeast’s five, it wasn’t enough to clinch the win. Marissa Polder was on fire, notching two hits for Austintown.

Both teams had their aces dealing. Southeast pitchers racked up six K’s, matching Austintown’s strikeout count.

Bristol Smith got Southeast rolling with a single in the first, putting them on the board. They padded their lead in the second after an Austintown error and a clutch single from Megan Linebarger, each driving in a run.

Mila Hamley took the hill for Austintown, throwing five innings, giving up five hits and three runs (one earned), striking out six and walking two. Bristol Smith started for Southeast, giving up six hits and one run over six innings, with six strikeouts and one walk.

Gracie Faunda went 1-for-2 with an RBI. Hamley also helped her cause at the plate, going 1-for-2 and scoring a run. Gianna Hoops and Lily Sheffield each chipped in with a hit.

For Southeast, LeNiyah Ratcliffe, Bristol Smith, Makynzie Melchor, Megan Linebarger, and Tenley Shell all got a hit. Smith and Linebarger each drove in a run. Southeast played flawless defense, turning a double play and not committing a single error, with Tenley Shell leading the way with seven chances.

Austintown’s exciting run in the Little League World Series has come to an end.