McMullin helps Nevada earn win over North Dakota
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A closer look at the 7-1 Henderson, Nevada win over Fargo, North Dakota, Sunday at Lamade Stadium
PLAY OF THE GAME -- Jo Jo Dixon showing off his hose: North Dakota put together four hits in the second inning and looked like it might pull even at 2-2. Colin Hanson had hit a two-out RBI single and when Evan Eckman followed with a single, the tying runner was sent home from second. Dixon charged the grounder and made an absolutely perfect throw from beyond the shallow part of center field. The throw hit catcher Nolan Gifford chest high and he made the quick tag. Yes, Nevada pulled away later, but the game's complexion really changed at this moment.
NEVADA PLAYER OF THE GAME -- Jaxon McMullin: The right-hander not only was outstanding, but also efficient and if Nevada makes a run deeper into the week, that could be a huge plus. McMullin needed just 50 pitches to throw 5 2/3 innings of four-hit baseball. He did not surrender another hit after the second inning and retired 10 of the last 12 batters he faced. McMullin struck out five, pounded the strike zone and also was strong offensively, going 1 for 1 with a walk and two runs.
NORTH DAKOTA PLAYER OF THE GAME--Colin Hanson: The left fielder enjoyed a strong Series and made the most of his two games. He hit an RBI single against Nevada and finished the Series 2 for 4 with three RBIs.
BIG INNING--Nevada fifth: The Mountain champions led 4-1 after four and helped break things open in the fifth, scoring three times. Logan Levasseur ignited the rally with a lead-off double and Mason Walther followed with a single before David Edwards capped things with an RBI single.
BEST EFFORT--Nevada's bottom production: For a second straight game, Nevada continued getting outstanding production from the lower part of the order. Four of the last five hitters in the lineup reached base and Levasseur, Walther and Liam Wells played huge roles in the game-breaking rally. It has been that case throughout this entire run and that balance throughout the lineup now has Nevada among the world's top 12 Little League teams.
FLASHING LEATHER--JoeJoe Carque opened the defensive highlights by making a good play in the top of the first inning. Carque went into the hole and robbed Cash Martinez of an RBI single, capping the gem with a laser throw to first. Nevada was threatening to build on a 2-1 lead in the second inning but North Dakota's defense skillfully prevented that. Second baseman William Korbl stopped a hard grounder, wheeled and made a quick throw to shortstop Mason Kirchner for the out at second. Kirchner then made a good turn and made a snap throw to first, completing the play and ending the inning. Nevada shortstop David Edwards made a key play to start the fourth inning, going deep into the hole and making a quick throw to take a lead-off single from Mason Sinner. That was a big out since Cash Martinez drew a walk one batter later.
HOME RUNS: Nolan Gifford did it again. Nevada's No. 3 hitter tattooed another home run, doing so for a second straight day, while putting his team ahead, 3-1 in the fourth inning. Gifford unloaded on a 1-0 pitch, slamming a towering drive deep into the sky and over the center field fence. He is 3 for 4 over the last two days with two home runs and a double.
WHAT IT MEANS--Nevada won its second straight elimination game of the weekend and will have Monday off before playing the loser of Monday's Tennessee-Washington game Tuesday, back at Lamade Stadium. It is now guaranteed a top-6 finish at the Little League World Series. North Dakota capped a historic summer, becoming the first team from its state to reach the Series, while putting up good fights in both games here.