Curacao triumphs with unforgettable win in Senior League World Series clash
Journeying more than 1700 miles to reach Easley for the Senior League World Series, Pabao Little League of Willemstad, Curacao, arrived at Saturday’s showdown against Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with a golden opportunity to secure the championship accolade for their homeland.
Glory for the Caribbean champions
With fervent determination, the Caribbean champions showcased their prowess, dealing a resounding blow to Cherry Hill with a decisive 14-1 victory in just five innings. This triumphant performance concluded an unbeaten streak throughout their time in Easley, solidifying their grasp on the Senior League World Series title.
Right from the outset, Pabao exhibited their intent, led by a leadoff single from Curly Martha, seamlessly followed by consecutive walks drawn by Jurdrick Profar and Deshando Trump. An error from Cherry Hill’s third baseman, Zachary Salsbery, paved the way for two runners to cross the plate. Clay Winklaar, Shendrion Martinus, and Nathan Castillo continued the momentum by driving in runs, propelling the Caribbean champions to an impressive 5-0 lead.
Cherry Hill, having conceded five runs without registering an out, swiftly replaced their starting pitcher Aiden Ryder with Andrew Bechtel. Though Bechtel managed to stem the tide for the East regional champs, two additional runs were surrendered, bolstering Curacao’s lead to 7-0 within the opening inning.
Kevin Rosina efficiently quashed Cherry Hill’s hopes in the bottom of the first, allowing the Caribbean champions to launch a fresh offensive against New Jersey in the second inning. Profar and Peson Revierre ignited the charge with well-placed singles, while Bechtel fought valiantly to secure two outs. Yet, Cherry Hill could not stave off the onslaught, as Martinus brought Profar home, widening the gap to a commanding 8-0.
In dire need of an offensive boost, the Eastern champions sought to counter swiftly. They initiated their response with a lead-off walk from Tristan Perry, quickly followed by a single from Ryan Moyer. A double play summoned by Rosina served to ease the mounting pressure, yet Cherry Hill managed to finally etch their presence on the scoreboard. Brody Connors’ single marked their breakthrough, narrowing the gap to 8-1 after the second inning.
The Senior League World Series, launched in 1961, is a baseball tournament for youths aged 13 to 16. In 2017, the event relocated from Bangor, Maine to Easley, South Carolina.
Undeterred, Curacao was determined to halt Cherry Hill’s surge. Gurshen Mogen’s lead-off double, coupled with Arsheneau Martina’s well-timed single, positioned two runners in scoring territory. Profar’s strategic sacrifice fly brought one run home, while Tromp’s double to the left field added another before New Jersey could wriggle out of the inning. The scoreboard now read 10-1, favoring Curacao.
The third inning saw Rosina masterfully dismantling the Eastern champions’ lineup, securing a quick succession of outs. The fourth inning proved challenging for both sides, with both teams grappling to find their footing. Yet, the Caribbean champions swiftly reclaimed their prowess at the plate as the fifth inning commenced.
A resounding double from Martha was swiftly followed by back-to-back walks from Profar and Tromp, promptly loading the bases for Curacao. Although Revierre’s strikeout posed a momentary setback, Winklaar soon seized the opportunity. With two outs, his center-field single drove in Martha, while Martinus’ double brought home both Profar and Tromp, catapulting the lead to 14-1 as they approached the bottom of the fifth inning.
In a culmination of his exceptional performance, Rosina commanded the mound to secure the final innings, cementing Curacao’s triumphant 14-1 victory in the Senior League World Series Championship.
Prepare to be part of the remarkable SiGMA Curacao
Embark on an exceptional journey as we invite you to an unparalleled event, graciously hosted by Javier Silvania, Curacao’s Minister of Finance, in collaboration with SiGMA. This immersive conference and expo are poised to unfold against the stunning backdrop of Curacao’s idyllic island. Curacao boasts a captivating blend of European refinement and vibrant Caribbean allure.
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