Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 22
Sweetwater Valley Falls 1-0 on Controversial Strike-Three Call in Little League World Series
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 22

Sweetwater Valley Falls 1-0 on Controversial Strike-Three Call in Little League World Series

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 22

Summary

  • A full-count strike-three call with the bases loaded and two outs ended Sweetwater Valley’s season in a 1-0 loss to Iowa, eliminating the California team from the Little League World Series.
  • The decisive 3-2 pitch appeared well outside, turning what looked like ball four and a game-tying walk into the final out of a no-hitter.
  • Iowa starter Cooper Thissen had struck out 15 and allowed no hits over 5 1/3 innings before leaving on his pitch count, after which California loaded the bases with two walks.
  • The finish drew immediate backlash online, with fans calling the ruling one of the tournament’s worst strike calls and arguing Sweetwater Valley should at least have forced extra innings.

Insights

After an incredible combined no-hitter, can Iowa's Davenport Northwest ride their dominant pitching to a first-ever World Series title?
Will the viral outrage over an atrocious game-ending strike call force Little League Baseball to finally adopt electronic strike zones?
Can California bounce back from a heartbreaking, controversial loss to keep their World Series championship dreams alive?