LLWS roundup: Canada uses 12-run inning to blast Puerto Rico

Field Level Media|published: Sat 17th August, 19:02 2024

Aug 15, 2024; Williamsport, PA, USA; Puerto Rico infielder Derek Garcia (8) bats against Japan in the third inning at Volunteer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Canada got all the offense it needed in the second inning, hanging 12 runs on Puerto Rico in the frame en route to a 12-5 victory Saturday at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Playing on the international side of the elimination bracket following Wednesday's 8-0 loss Taiwan of the Asia-Pacific Region, Canada responded to Puerto Rico's three-run first inning with vengeance.

Joshua Hernstedt started the onslaught with a two-run single, and Eric Popovich and Blake Anderson also had two RBIs apiece in the inning. Sixteen Canadians came to the plate during the second.

Leugim Beltran went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs for Puerto Rico. Canada did a lot of its damage against reliever Jeiluis Torres, who did not record an out while giving up seven runs (four earned) on three hits and two walks.

New York 6, South Dakota 3

Jake Romero logged five-plus strong innings as New York doubled up South Dakota in the United States' elimination bracket.

Romero yielded three runs (two earned) and two hits. He walked four and struck out six. Six players drove in a run for Staten Island, N.Y., which got two hits from leadoff hitter Vincent Ruggiero.

Ruggiero also notched a save, taking over for Romero after the latter walked Tait Ready to open the sixth. Sioux Falls, S.D., was held to just three hits, and starter Griff Sommer was roughed up for six runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

--Field Level Media