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Nevada 5, South Carolina 3
Garrett Gallegos powered Nevada to a 5-3 comeback victory over South Carolina in the United States consolation championship on Thursday night in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Mountain Region squad from Summerlin South Little League (Las Vegas) sealed the win behind Gallegos’ bat. He launched a decisive three-run homer in the top of the sixth, just moments after South Carolina took its first lead. Earlier in the game, Gallegos also ripped an RBI double to keep Nevada in striking distance.
South Carolina, representing the Southeast Region out of Irmo, briefly surged ahead in the bottom of the fifth when Sutton Gravelle drew a bases-loaded walk for a 3-2 advantage. However, the rally was short-lived once Nevada answered back in dramatic fashion.
On the mound, Nevada’s starter Cache Malan threw 4 2/3 innings, striking out seven while giving up three runs on five hits. Luke D’Ambrosio secured the win, getting the last four outs under pressure.
South Carolina stayed competitive thanks to solo homers from Brody Miller and Joe Giulietti, each erasing one-run deficits earlier in the game. Andrew Bogan opened for the Southeast squad, giving up four hits and two runs across three innings.
Nevada now advances to Saturday’s U.S. Championship Final against Fairfield, Connecticut, which represents the Metro Region. The two teams last met Wednesday, with Connecticut prevailing 7-3 in winners-bracket play. Fans can track updated Little League odds and scores here.
Aruba 3, Venezuela 1
In the International bracket, Santa Cruz, Aruba punched its ticket to the championship game with a 3-1 victory over Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
Aruba starter Jay-Sell Giron and reliever Emerson Mercado combined on a five-hitter with no earned runs allowed. Mercado also provided early offense, hitting a sacrifice fly in the top of the first to give Aruba the lead.
The Caribbean Region champions added to their advantage in the third inning when Jayderick Wederfoor delivered an RBI single, and Isaac Arendsz tacked on insurance with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Venezuela, representing the Latin America region, mounted a late rally in the bottom of the sixth. A walk, single, and fielding error cut Aruba’s lead to 3-1 with one out, but Mercado responded by retiring the next two batters to shut the door.
Giron scattered two hits over two innings before handing the ball to Mercado, who tossed four frames, yielding three hits, one unearned run, and striking out four. Francisco Rivero took the loss for Venezuela after allowing two runs in 2 2/3 innings.
With the win, Aruba moves on to face Taiwan in Saturday’s International Final. To sharpen your insights on upcoming games, check out Sportshub’s Bettors Handbook and sports picks strategies.
