Park View Little League’s 12U all-star team has been soaking up the festive atmosphere — as well as temperatures in the high 80s — during the team’s first week in South Williamsport, Pa., as proud participants in the 2016 Little League World Series.
“Williamsport has been everything every ball player — young and old — could imagine,” Park View manager Jorge Camarillo explained. “The fields are majestic and the people are great. There’s a special feel to the complex as you walk by Lamade and Volunteer stadiums to get to the many practice facilities. It is truly a great environment for baseball and a dream come true!”
Thus far, the Park View caravan has had new uniforms fitted (they’re blue, not green), have had an official photo session in front of iconic Lamade Stadium, participated in the annual Little League Baseball parade in downtown Williamsport (actual games are played in nearby South Williamsport) and have generally enjoyed a great time, as one might suspect.
A personal highlight for Park View was meeting former Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.
“The boys have enjoyed everything from free Easton gear to ESPN media attention to their own team parade through downtown Williamsport,” the Park View manager said. “They are treated like rock stars along with the other teams in the great Little League World Series.”
But it’s also time to get down to business. The Little League World Series might seem like a surreal experience to many, but all the teams that have qualified to participate in this year’s mega youth baseball event have one thing on their mind: to win the Little League World Series championship.
Park View, the 2016 West Region champion, opens play in the 16-team tournament — and specifically, the eight-team United States Division— with a 1 p.m. game (Pacific time) against Midwest Region champion Johnston Little League from suburban Des Moines, Iowa.
Park View carries an 18-2 record into the opening round contest. Johnston Little League cruised to its regional championship with a 9-0 win over Minnesota, a 7-1 win over Nebraska, and a 3-0 victory against Kansas. Miles Risley went two-for-three with a home run in the championship game against Kansas.
“As of Tuesday the boys have flipped the switch and we started getting back to business of preparing for the Midwest game,” the Park View manager explained.
So, will it be the familiar Green Machine taking the field albeit garbed in blue uniforms?
The Park View manager said the team hasn’t decided yet if it will adopt a new team nickname given the uniform color change.
“We haven’t talked about a nickname for our new West uniform,” the Park View manager said. “Some of the kids talked about the Blue Machine as an extension of the Green Machine nickname that helped win a Regional championship. Maybe after thefirst game something or someone will come up with something catchy!”
So far, the Green Machine has done just nicely, so why change a successful formula.
As for the actual competition, the Little League World Series opened on Thursday with four games – two in the U.S. division and two in the international division.
In the first two games, Latin America got the jump on Mexico by recording a 10-2, while U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region champion Maine-Endwell Little League from Endwell, N.Y., topped New England Region champion Warwick North Little League from Warwick, R.I., by a score of 7-2.
The day’s closing two games were closer: Australia defeated the Europe-Africa representative, 3-1, while U.S. Southeast Region champion Goodlettsville Baseball Little League from Goodlettsville, Tenn., edged Northwest Region champion Bend North Little League (Bend, Ore.) by a score of 3-2.
In the latter game, Robert Carroll’s two-run double allowed Goodlettsville to score the walk-off win over Bend North in the nightcap. Tanner Jones went two-for-three (with a home run and single) for the victorious Southeast team. He drove in one run and scored twice.
Zach McWilliams struck out nine batters, allowed two hits, two earned runs and walked one batter in picking up the six-inning win.
Zack Reynolds racked up two RBI on two hits (triple in the third inning and single in the sixth inning) for the Oregon squad. Reynolds gave the Northwest team an early 2-0 lead after tripling home teammates Joe Schulz and Julian Mora.
Other opening day highlights:
- Mid-Atlantic’s Ryan Harlost slammed three extra-base hits in the batter’s box and scattered three hits while striking out five and allowing no walks in five innings of work on the rubber. Harlost homered in the first inning, tripled in the second inning and doubled in the fifth inning to collect four RBI in game. On the mound he threw 14 first-pitch strikes. He finished the game with 64 pitches – 75 percent of them strikes.
- Carlos Gonzalez and Esmith Pineda each drove in three runs for Latin America in its win over Mexico. Pineda totaled five bases in the game with a home run and single. Joaquin Tejeda allowed one hit and struck out nine batters in four-plus innings on the hill for the Panama team.
- Australia scored single runs in the second, third and fourth innings to take a 3-0 lead over its opponent from Emilia, Italy. Clayton Campbell threw hitless ball in his five innings on the mound to frustrate the European team. Campbell walked none and struck out seven batters. Italy finished with just two hits in the game. Harrison Wheeldon, Campbell and Ryley Gonzalez each picked up RBI for Australia.
All 16 teams participated in Thursday’s opening ceremony at Volunteer Stadium, with each team represented with their state or national flag.
The 12th annual Grand Slam Parade kicked off the week of festivities on Wednesday for the 70th Little League World Series. An estimated 40,000 parade-goers applauded floats carrying the participating Little League teams.
Wow factor
Park View played in front of two crowds in excess of 10,000 fans and three crowds in excess of 8,500 fans during their four games in the West Region tournament in San Bernardino. But playing in front of 20,000 to 30,000 fans, or even more, will pump the adrenaline up a level. One has to wonder how much of an impact the awe factor will impact the team?
“It is tough to say how the wow factor will play a part in their performance,” the Park View manager said. “The boys have experienced a lot of media attention and played in front of tremendously large crowds on this journey. Although what I believe they are about to experience will be multiplied by 10!
“I truly believe these boys are prepared to face the toughest challenge they have ever had to face on the biggest stage in youth sports! They live for moments like the one they are about to experience (on Friday). They have proven it time and time again. These boys will do everything in their power not to disappoint and our coaching staff will do everything possible to lead the way.”
If you are a member of the Park View Nation, it sounds like a plan.
Social media
To follow Park View in the Little League World Series:
https://twitter.com/ParkviewLL/status/765044289080430592
https://twitter.com/parkviewll
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/pvll/
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/parkviewlittleleague/
https://www.facebook.com/Park-View-Little-League-Official-Page-124269384291971/
http://www.parkviewlittleleague.com/
Viewing parties
Official West spirit gear available at Park View Little League viewing parties:
•Oggi’s Pizza in Otay Ranch (2130 Birch Rd., Chula Vista)
•Rancho del Rey Middle School (1174 E. J St, Chula Vista)
•Salucita Bar & Grill (4110 Bonita Road)
PARK VIEW CREW TO HOST LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES VIEWING PARTY
Local radio stations MAGIC 92.5 (XHRM-FM) and Z90 (XHTZ-FM) invite fans to a viewing party of the opening round of the Little League World Series featuring Chula Vista’s Park View Little League all-star team.
Personalities from both radio stations, called the “Park View Crew,” will host the viewing party Friday at BJ’s Restaurant in Chula Vista Center, at 555 Broadway. Doors open at 11 a.m. The game starts at 1 p.m.
“Everyone here at the radio station has been on high all week, anticipating watching our boys compete on this national level,” said Z90 Program Director and Magic 92.5 afternoon host R Dub! “Friday is finally here, we’re looking forward to everyone in the community coming together to cheer on our team and watch them go for glory.”
Magic 92.5 and Z90 are owned by Local Media San Diego, LLC; a San Diego-based broadcasting company backed by private equity firm, Thoma Bravo, LLC. LMSD also operates 91X (XTRA-FM) as a member of SD Local, a joint operating arrangement between LMSD and Midwest Television, Inc., operators of 100.7 KFM-BFM (KFMB-FM) and AM 760 (KFMB-AM).
Park View Little League
Little League World Series scenario:
Winners bracket
If Park View wins its opener against Midwest Region champion Johnston Little League from suburban Des Moines (Iowa) on Friday, Park View will next play on Sunday (4 p.m. Pacific time/ESPN2) against the Southwest-Great Lakes winner.
If Park View wins on Sunday, Park View would advance to the winners bracket semifinals on Wednesday (4:30 p.m. Pacific times/ESPN).
If Park View were to win on Wednesday, Park View would advance to the United States championship game on Saturday (Aug. 27 at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time on ABC-TV).
If Park View were to win the U.S. championship game, the team would play the International Division champion in the Little League World Series championship game on Sunday (Aug. 28 at noon Pacific time on ABC-TV).
If Park View were to lose the U.S. championship game, the team would play the International Division runner-up in the third-place game on Sunday (Aug. 28 at 7 a.m. Pacific time on ESPN).
Elimination bracket
If Park View loses its opener on Friday against Midwest Region champion Johnston Little League from suburban Des Moines (Iowa), Park View would next play on Saturday (5 p.m. Pacific time/ESPN) against the Southwest-Great Lakes loser.
If Park View loses a potential elimination game on Saturday, Park View would play a consolation game against an international opponent (also 0-2) on Tuesday (8:30 a.m. Pacific time/ESPN).
If Park View were to win on Saturday, it would next play another elimination game on Monday (5 p.m. Pacific time/ESPN). A loss would eliminate Park View from the tournament.
If Park View were to win on Monday, it would play another elimination game on Tuesday (4:30 p.m. Pacific time/ESPN). A loss would eliminate Park View from the tournament.
If Park View were to win on Tuesday, it would play another elimination game (challenger bracket final) on Thursday (4:30 p.m. Pacific time/ESPN). A loss would eliminate Park View from the tournament.
If Park were to win on Thursday, it would advance to the U.S. championship game on Saturday.
Little League World Series
Qualified Teams
(Aug. 18-28/South Williamsport, Pa.)
United States Division
New England Region: Warwick North Little League (Warwick, R.I.)
Mid-Atlantic Region: Maine-Endwell Little League (Endwell, N.Y.)
Midwest Region: Johnston Little League (Johnston, Iowa)
Southeast Region: Goodlettsville Baseball Little League (Goodlettsville, Tenn.)
Great Lakes Region: Bowling Green Eastern Little League (Bowling Green, Ky.)
Southwest Region: McAllister Park American Little League (San Antonio, Texas)
Northwest Region: Bend North Little League (Bend, Ore.)
West Region: Park View Little League (Chula Vista, Calif.)
International Division
Mexico Region: San Nicolas Little League (Nuevo Leon)
Australia Region: Hills Little League (Sydney)
Asia-Pacific Region: East Seoul Little League (Seoul, South Korea)
Caribbean Region: Pariba Little League (Willemstad, Curacao)
Europe-Africa Region: Emilia Little League (Emilia, Italy)
Latin America Region: Aguadulce Cabezera Little League (Aguadulce, Panama)
Japan Region: Chofu Little League (Tokyo)
Canada Region: Hastings Community Little League (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Little League World Series Scoreboard
Aug. 18-28 in South Williamsport, Pa.
Opening Round Games
Thursday, Aug. 18
United States Division
Mid-Atlantic 7, New England 2
Southeast 3, Northwest 2
International Division
Latin America 10, Mexico 2
Australia 3, Europe-Africa 1
Friday, Aug. 19
United States Division
Midwest 5, West 1
Great Lakes 11, Southwest 1
International Division
Canada 10, Japan 4
Asia-Pacific 3, Caribbean 0
Saturday, Aug. 20
Elimination games
United States Division
Northwest vs. New England, noon PT (ABC-TV)
West vs. Southwest, 5 p.m. PT (ESPN)
International Division
Mexico vs. Europe-Africa, 9 a.m. PT (ESPN)
Japan vs. Caribbean, 3 p.m. PT (ESPN)
Sunday, Aug. 21
Winnners bracket games
United States Division
Southeast vs. Mid-Atlantic, noon (ABC-TV)
Great Lakes vs. Midwest, 4 p.m. (ESPN2)
International Division
Australia vs. Latin Ameican, 8 a.m. PT (ESPN)
Canada vs. Asia-Pacific, 1 p.m. PT (ESPN)
Park View Little League 12U All-Stars Statistical Leaders
(Through 20 games)
Hits
Lucas Marrujo 40; Victor Lizarraga 30; Ali Camarillo 27; Omar Cordero 25; Adriel Colemenero 23; Anthony Soto Jr. 23; Ju Ju Padilla 20; Daniel Leon 14; Luis Guevara 10; Santiago Garcia 10; Adam Amaro 10; Jonluke Hobdy 6; Joshua Bruce 6; Devin Hinojosa 5
Runs Batted In (RBI)
Lucas Marrujo 29; Victor Lizarraga 26; Omar Cordero 25; Adriel Colmenero 23; Ali Camarillo 19; Ju Ju Padilla 18; Santiago Garcia 17; Daniel Leon 12; Anthony Soto Jr. 11; Joshua Bruce 9
Runs scored
Ali Camarillo 34; Lucas Marrujo 31; Victor Lizarraga 24; Omar Cordero 24; Adriel Colmenero 21; Anthony Soto Jr. 20; Ju Ju Padilla 15; Santiago Garcia 14; Daniel Leon 13; Jonluke Hobdy 11; Adam Amaro 9; Luis Guevara 7; Joshua Bruce 5
Home runs
Omar Cordero 10; Lucas Marrujo 9; Victor Lizarraga 8; Daniel Leon 6; Adriel Colmenero 6; Ali Camarillo 5; Ju Ju Padilla 5; Santiago Garcia 4; Adam Amaro 2; Joshua Bruce 2; Anthony Soto Jr. 1; Luis Guevara 1; Devin Hinojosa 1; Jonluke Hobdy 1
Doubles
Lucas Marrujo 9; Anthony Soto Jr. 6; Adriel Colmenero 5; Ali Camarillo 4; Victor Lizarraga 2; Ju Ju Padilla 2; Omar Cordero 1 Santiago Garcia 1; Joshua Bruce 1
Triples
Ali Camarillo 3; Ju Ju Padilla 2; Anthony Soto Jr. 1; Victor Lizarraga 1
Road to the Little League World Series
Park View Little League
Green Machine
District 42 Tournament
•Park View 37, Southwest 0
•Park View 21, Eastlake 2
•Park View 15, Chula Vista American 4
•Chula Vista American 3, Park View 1
•Park View 10, Chula Vista American 4
Section 7 Tournament
•Park View 10, Las Palmas 1
•Park View 17, Imperial 4
•Park View 18, Imperial 7
Southern California Division III-South
Sub-Division Tournament
•Bloomington 4, Park View 2
•Park View 16, La Sierra 2
•Park View 8, San Carlos 5
•Park View 9, Bloomington 5
•Park View 7, Ladera Ranch 0
•Park View 6, Ladera Ranch 5
Southern California Division III Tournament
•Park View 6, Redondo Beach 0
•Park View 11, Redondo Beach 8
West Region Tournament
•Park View 18, Northern California 3 (10 innings)
•Park View 7, Arizona 4
•Park View 14, Hawaii 11
•Park View 1, Nevada 0
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES
WEST REGION CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
Sunday, Aug. 7
Hawaii 8, Nevada 0
Southern California 18, Northern California 3 (10 innings)
Monday, Aug. 8
Southern California 7, Arizona 4
Hawaii 5, Utah 2
Tuesday, Aug. 9
Elimination games
Nevada 15, Arizona 4 (5 innings)
Utah 7, Northern California 6
Wednesday, Aug. 10
Elimination game
Nevada 15, Utah 4 (4 innings)
Thursday, Aug. 11
Semifinal (winners bracket)
Southern California 14, Hawaii 11
Friday, Aug. 12
Semifinal (challenger bracket)
Nevada 9, Hawaii 0
Saturday, Aug. 13
Championship game
Southern California 1, Nevada 0
Note: Park View advances to Little League World Series
Midwest champs push across late runs to end Park View’s 11-game winning streak, post 5-1 win in Little League World Series opener
In a game between seemingly evenly matched teams in Friday’s Little League World Series opening round contest at Lamade Stadium, Midwest Region champion Johnston Little League from suburban Des Moines, Iowa, ended Park View Little League’s 11-game winning streak by posting a 5-1 victory in front of 12,171 fans.
The teams battled through three-and-half innings with the score tied 1-1 before the Iowans broke through with a pair of runs without the benefit of a base hit in the bottom of the fourth inning to score the decisive runs of the game. The Midwest champions tacked on two insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth inning for good measure.
If Park View (18-3) is to advance in the tournament, it will be through the single-elimination challenger bracket. The West champions can take solace is that they are 7-0 in elimination games this summer, including the West Region championship game.
Park View manager Jorge Camarillo accepted blame for the team’s disappointing performance
“We didn’t prepare the kids enough – they didn’t look prepared,” the Park View manager explained in a post-game press conference. “(But) we’re still alive – it’s not over yet.
“We had a plan coming in; the plan is still in place. We aren’t panicking; it’s a double-elimination tournament. We have to make some adjustments (for our next game). We have to be ready to go.”
Fast start, slow finish
Park View opened Friday’s game with a baserunner in its first at-bat as lead-off hitter Ali Camarillo was hit by a pitch. However. Midwest starter Jack Emanuel struck out the next batter, Lucas Marrujo, and then retired Victor Lizarraga on a fielder’s choice for the second out of the inning. Adriel Colmenero then grounded out for the final out of the inning.
Daniel Leon took the mound for Park View in the bottom of the first inning. Johnston also placed its lead-off batter on base via a walk. But a strikeout and double play closed out the threat.
Park View broke through in the top of the first inning for the first run of the game after loading the bases with none out. Leon (single), Anthony Soto Jr. (single) and Omar Cordero (walk) each reached safely. Ju Ju Padilla scored one run on a sacrifice fly to right field. Camarillo subsequently drew a walk but a pair of infield outs ended further damage on the scoreboard.
Leon struck out Emanuel to lead off the bottom of the second inning but Cade Godwin followed with a base hit to right field and Owen Dawson, the ensuing batter, reached base after being hit by a pitch to place two runners on base for the Midwest team.
But Leon struck out the next two batters to get out of the jam and preserve the 1-0 Park View lead.
Park View could not add to its lead after going down in order in the top of the third inning. Leon retired the first two Johnston batters he faced in the bottom of the frame before J.T. Garcia singled to right field.
Michael Siemer then doubled to the wall in left center to score Garcia and tie the score 1-1. But Leon struck out the next batter – giving him six in the game — to strand the potential go-ahead runner at second base.
It was ditto for Park View in the next frame. Soto led off the top of the fourth inning with a single to center field off relief pitcher Josh Larson. After a strikeout for the first out, Padilla grounded out for the second out of the inning. Larson then struck out Santi Garcia for the final out of the inning with the team still tied 1-1.
The game did not remain deadlocked for long, however. Kaiden Dinh opened the bottom of the fourth inning for Midwest with a single and Payton Newhouse followed with another single to place two runners on base with none out. But Leon got the next batter on strikes to record the first out of the inning.
However, Leon didn’t do his cause any good after hitting the next batter, Sam Hennes, to load the bases. Johnston Little League appeared to have its biggest inning in the making at this point and took advantage of it on an untimely error.
Godwin hit into what appeasred to be a potential double play but a drop at first base allowed two runs to score to put the Iowa team ahead 3-1.
Park View quickly countered when Camarillo led off the top of the fifth inning with a double and advanced to third base on a passed ball. But Larson stymied the Park View rally by inducing a fly-out to right field and two strikeouts. Jake Pemble threw a strike from right field to prevent Camarillo from tagging up to score on a sacrifice fly.
Leon remained on the mound and served up a lead-off home run to center field by Garcia to start the bottom of the fifth inning. Emanuel, who was no longer on the mound but remained in the game, singled with one out. Godwin took over as a special pinch runner and advanced to second base on a wild pitch.
Dinh grounded out but Godwin advanced to third base on the play. Godwin then scored on a wild pitch to make the score 5-1 in the favor of the Midwest champs. Dawson then drew a walk to replenish the base paths for the designated home team.
Leon exited the mound at this point and Adriel Colmenero took over pitching duties, getting the final out of the inning on a ground-out.
Down to its final three outs of the game, Park View mounted a late challenge.
Jonluke Hobdy led off the top of the sixth inning with a walk. Siemer relieved Larson on the mound. Soto extended the count to 3-2 before flying out for the first out. Omar Cordero then fouled out for the second out of the inning, leaving any late dramatics to occur with one out left in the game.
Padilla did add some drama by taking a pitch into the body to reach first base and push Hobdy to second base.
But Siemer struck out Luis Guevara for the final out of the game.
Johnston Little League finished the game with seven hits.
The three Iowa pitchers held Park View to four hits and struck out seven batters. A bugaboo for the West champs: six runners left on base.
Emmanuel pitched the first three innings, leaving after 43 pitches. He allowed one run on two hits, struck out one batter and walked two.
Larson, who picked up the win, pitched two innings, allowed two hits and struck out four batters while walking one.
Siemer came in to get the save by striking out two batters in his one inning of work.
Leon, who took the loss, pitched four-and-two-thirds innings, allowed all seven hits, five runs, four of them earned, struck out seven batters and walked one.
Next up for Park View is an elimination game Saturday against the loser of Friday’s opening round game between the Great Lakes and Southwest regional champions.
The loser of that game will close out play in this year’s LLWS with a consolation game Tuesday against an international opponent while the winner will advance to another elimination game on Monday.
Johnston Little League advances to Sunday’s winners bracket game against the Great Lakes-Southwest winner.
Extra bases
Victor Lizarraga pitched lights out in the West Region championship game, tossing a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts. But Park View threw a curve in starting Leon, the team’s other No. 1 pitcher, in the LLWS opening game.
The Park View manager said the choice of the starting pitcher for his team was a moot point because his team did not generate much offense at the plate. “The Midwest has good pitching,” the elder Camarillo said. “They have good off-speed pitching. We struggled today.”
It was Iowa’s first opening round win in the Little League World Series since 1975.
The Midwest manager said his team fired on all cylinders in Friday’s game. “We just wanted to come here and compete and play our best,” he explained. “Today the ball rolled our way. The kids did their job.”
The Iowa team, which exhibited strong fundamentals play in the win over Park View, has dedicated its LLWS run to Garcia’s mother Jen, who is fighting pancreatic cancer and was in attendance at Friday’s game to watch her son hit a home run.
She was being interviewed in the stands live on ESPN when her son hit the home run to center field to put Iowa up 4-1. It was a goose-bumps moment for viewers and Garcia’s mother alike.
Park View will have to start a new winning streak if it is to advance in tournament play.
“This isn’t a position we’d like to be in,” the Park View manager admitted. “You always like to be in the winners bracket.”
First-time jitters?
The Park View manager called the team’s opening game at the LLWS “a humbling experience.”
The team from the Midwest came ready to play and had a game plan against our offense that they executed very well, the elder Camarillo explained. “The West boys seemed anxious to make a difference on offense but never adjusted to the game plan the Midwest threw at them.”
The Park View manager said from here on it is back to navigating familiar waters, however dangerous they may be.
“Saturday the boys begin a mission that they are familiar with —win or go home against Texas,” the Park View manager explained. “The boys will be prepared to play and look to earn another game here at the LLWS. We have a lot of support back home and here in Williamsport. The boys are looking forward to making a lot of people proud Saturday.”
Winners circle
Devin Obee rapped out three hits, including a fourth inning home run, and struck out seven batters while scattering three hits to lead Great Lakes Region champion Bowling Green Western/Eastern Little League to an 11-1 opening-round victory against Southwest Region champion McAllister Park American Little League in Friday’s quadruple-header nightcap.
Obee allowed one run and two walks and five innings to pick up the win.
Great Lakes opened an early lead by scoring three runs in the top of the first inning and tacked on two more runs in the top of the second inning to lead 5-1. Great Lakes put the game out of reach by scoring five runs in the top of the fifth inning to record the 10-run rule victory.
Spencer Newman scored three runs for the Kentucky team and drove in one run while teammates John Guthrie and Tate Hanks each scored two runs.
Dominic Tellis made it a 3-1 game with a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning.
However, Southwest compounded its chances of winning the game by committing eight errors.
In other opening round game on Friday:
Canada 10, Japan 4
Loreto Siniscalachi hit a home run, scored two runs and struck out 13 batters to lead the Canadians to the upset win. Canada opened up a 6-0 lead. Cristian Santarelli also hit a home ruin while Nathan Clegg doubled in a pair of runs as Canada out-hit Japan 10 to 6.
Asia-Pacific 3, Caribbean 0
Minho Choi went two-for-two and Junho Jeong struck out 10 batters to lead South Korea’s fortunes. Sangheon Park closed out game with the final six outs to record the save. Asia-Pacific scored twice in the first inning and never relinquished the lead.
Park struck out five batters in his two innings of work to give South Korea 15 strikeouts in the game.
Jungtaek Ru had one hit and scored one run while teammates Seum Kwon and Jaekeyon Kim also scored runs for Asia-Pacific.
