Posted on: Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Pearl City shut out, 5-0, in Northwest regional final

By George Alfano
Special to The Advertiser

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Pearl City's exciting run in the Little League (ages 11-12) Northwest Regional stopped one game short of the Little League World Series last night, as Washington turned great defense plays and timely hitting into a 5-0 victory in the tournament final.

"You have to take your hat off to Washington," said Pearl City coach Keith Nakamura. "Some of those plays will be on the ESPN highlights. The score doesn't really tell the truth about this game."

Washington, represented by Richland National, took a 1-0 lead when Cody Shepherd singled in a run. They added three more the next inning to take control.

Winning pitcher Kyle Stumetz tossed a four-hitter, striking out four and walking three. The left-hander wasn't overpowering by he kept Pearl City batters at bay.

The deciding factor was Washington's defense.

Daniel Jacobs made a diving play behind second and flipped the ball to the shortstop to rob Bryson Namba of a base hit to end the first inning. Alika Pruett was thrown out at second by center fielder Jamison Rowe, trying to extend a hit that reached the right-center fence in the third.

Pearl City's cause wasn't helped by a hand injury to Bully Casarez, who was hurt following Saturday night's 6-3 semifinal victory over Idaho. Nakamura said the fracture was very slight, but Casarez had some pain when he tried to throw prior to last night's game and the decision was made not to play him.

Pearl City had won five straight games in the tournament, and defeated Washington, 2-1, during pool play.

Washington 131 000—5 8 1
Pearl City 000 000—0 4 3

Kyle Stumetz and Trent Sikes. Chance Tanigawa, David Lee (2) and Bryson Namba. W—Stumetz. L—Tanigawa.

Leading Hitters: Wash—Cody Shepard 2-3; Brett Jacobs double; Jamison Rowe double; Quino Zorich double. PC—David Lee, 2-3.