B. C. club downs East Nepean
For the East Nepean Eagles, there would be no denying the White Rock All- Stars twice.
Following a 6- 5 win in the second game of the round robin portion at the Canadian Little League Championships, the Host Eagles had high hopes as they met the B. C. representative in Sunday’s title game at Ken Ross Park.
White Rock also had high hopes — for a little redemption — and got exactly what they wanted, pounding the Eagles 16- 0 to win the national title. With the victory comes a berth in the Little League World Series, which starts Thursday at Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
“It’s a good case of revenge and it was good to win against them,” White Rock slugger Trent Lenihan said.
“It’s pretty good to know that you can be the best team in Canada and make it this far.”
White Rock forced the mercy rule with eight runs in the fifth inning to take a 16- 0 lead. Lenihan powered the inning with a leadoff home run and capped it with a three- run homer.
White Rock led 3- 0 after the second and went down one- two- three in the third. It scored five times in the fourth to blow open a tight game.
“I knew that we would accomplish this. When it was still a tight game, some of us were a little panicky, but we all seemed to calm down in the fourth inning,” Lenihan said.
On the mound, Matthew Wilkinson was masterful for White Rock, allowing just one hit — a bunt single by Matteo Disipio — while striking out 13, including the side in the bottom of the fifth to end the game after walking the first two batters.
“I kind of get rattled when I give up walks so I have to work on not throwing so many balls and just throw strikes,” said Wilkinson, who allowed only five baserunners all game, including three on walks.
“We worked as team and we love each other.”
Eagles manager Mike Crepin led his group to a 46- 2 record, but his last game as a manager of a competitive team was a loss.
“It wasn’t our day, but the kids worked hard. I called some pitches that I wish I could take back and I made a couple of bad calls, but full credit to White Rock,” Crepin said.
“We were the host team and we weren’t even supposed to be in this. We’re supposed to supply the food and drinks, and be friendly to the other teams. The kids really gave their home fans a show.”