Despite a tough loss to Puerto Rico that marked the end of their championship hopes, the Redcliffe Padres youth representing Australia at the Little League Intermediate Baseball 50/70 World Series demonstrated incredible sportsmandship and the true Aussie spirit.
Tough Loss to South Korea
Before facing Puerto Rico, the Redcliffe Padres youth alongside other talented players from Narangba Demons and Pine Rivers Rapids took on a strong South Korean side. Jihoon Park homered and drove in two runs for the Asia-Pacific representatives. The Korean pitchers also combined for 13 strikeouts in a 5-1 win over the Australians.
Against the Odds
The Australians then faced a relentless Puerto Rican side in a 22-2 defeat.
The Aussies avoided a shutout thanks to a mighty solo home run by Alonso Zaire Griffin and a run scored by Archie Baert. But Puerto Rico proved too strong on this day.
Pride of the Brisbane North
Baseball.com.au highlighted the team’s strong showing in qualifying out of Australia. They also noted how other teams in the California tournament praised the squad’s impressive conduct and character.
“Your Australian Intermediate League Champions fell out of the championship bracket of the World Series this morning but they represented the country so well,” they wrote on Facebook.
Head coach David West said he could not be prouder of the team’s outstanding efforts across the whole week. Comments praised the efforts of the young Australian team.
Although the World Series dream came to an end sooner than expected, the experience will help these youngsters continue to improve.
“Big future ahead for these ones.”
Published 08 August 2023