Gilroy outlasts Italy 6-5 on Monday
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Representing the West at the 2010 Little League World Series, the Gilroy Junior All-Stars were quick to make a statement and prove they belong among the elite teams.
With two games in the books, Gilroy has yet to stumble, going 2-0 to start its championship charge in Kirkland, Wash. The South Valley team battled from behind three times to topple a tough Italy squad 6-5 in 10 innings today in Pool B play.
“(Manager) Rudy (Perales) and I have said all along that we have 12 girls on this team and every one of them have done something to get us through to the next game,” assistant coach John Green said following the heart-pounding win.
The Garlic Girls needed contributions up and down the lineup.
After Italy jumped ahead 1-0 in the third, Gilroy knotted the contest with an RBI single by Holly Lam.
Gilroy spotted Italy one run in the fifth and sixth innings to fall behind 3-1, but the hometown team mounted a two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth to even the score again. Jenae Estrada ripped a one-out triple to center, and Gilroy promptly loaded the bases, cashing in twice on three walks.
Each team went scoreless in the seventh to send the game into extra innings.
Italy (the visiting team) drew first blood in the ninth to go ahead 5-3. Not to be denied, Gilroy tied the game 5-all thanks to a pair of RBI doubles by Crissy Simpson of Morgan Hill and Brittney Souza.
After a defensive stand in the top of the 10th, Mariza Rodriguez sealed the triumph, banging a double off the center-field fence. Nicole Green came all the way from first for the game-winning run.
“Today was tough. Italy is a really good team,” John Green said. “We played fundamental ball.”
Gilroy pitcher Samantha DeLaTorre went the distance, striking out seven. It was her first appearance in the circle this postseason.
“DeLaTorre stayed strong for 10 innings and she never lost her composure,” Green said.
Gilroy, which slipped past Central 5-0 to open pool play, continues pool play against Guam at 1:45 p.m. today.
