The Latta 15 U captured the state championship in Marion on Wednesday, July 20, by defeating Marion, the defending state champions, 6-4 and 4-3 in 2 close games requiring extra innings in the second one.
The Latta 15 U defeated Marion 6-4 in the first game to force a second game.
After 3 1/2 innings in the second game Marion held a 1-0 lead over Latta.
The Marion team went 1, 2, and 3 outs when #1 for Marion hit a fly to center, #12 hit a grounder to the shortstop, and #20 hit a grounder to third.
After 4 complete innings of play Marion was ahead by 1 run.
Sylar McCoy, #19 for Latta, led off the top of the fifth inning with a hit to center for a double. Skylar scored for Latta to knot the game at 1 when #11 for Latta bunted and ended up on second when Marion’s first baseman missed the ball.
In the bottom of the fifth inning Marion threatened with runners on first and second with 2 outs but were unable to score.
Marion picked up 2 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning when #8 hit one down the third base line for a lead-off double. #4 for Marion bunted and ended up on second. Marion had runners on second and third with no outs. #3 Marion bunted safely, and now the bases were loaded with no outs. Latta called a time-out and inserted a new pitcher, #1. Marion’s #6 dropped one over second for a single and a rbi. Marion was now up 2-1. #1 for Marion hit a sacrifice fly to center, and Marion’s lead was now 2.
Latta’s #2, Nolan, led off with a single and collided with Marion’s second baseman but was safe at second. Latta continued to fight back and tied the game at 3.
After 6 1/2 innings the game was tied with Marion coming to the plate for their last at-bat during the regular scheduled innings. #5 for Marion led off with a single over third. Latta managed to hold the Marion team scoreless in the bottom of the seventh inning to force extra innings.
Marion inserted #4 as a relief pitcher to start the next inning of play. Marion turned a double play to stop any threat from Latta.
#7 for Marion led off with a walk followed by #8 who popped up to the pitcher for out 1. #4 for Marion hit a fly to left center, and now Marion had runners on second and third with only one out.
The game continued until the ninth inning when Latta managed to score a run.
The final was Latta 4 and Marion 3.
The Latta 15 U will play in the World Series tournament to be held in North Myrtle Beach with the opening ceremony on July 31 with games August 1-5.
