Vero Beach Little League baseball team caps 'wonderful' run in championship game

The Vero Beach 10U Little League team stretched its journey as far as it could.

It just came up a little short in its quest for another flag.

Vero Beach 10U LL reached the final of the Southeast Regional Tournament in Wilson City, North Carolina, before dropping a 2-1 decision to Northwood LL of South Carolina in the championship game Wednesday morning.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Vero Beach manager George Williams, who has been coaching the past six years and serves on the league’s Board of Directors as Vice President.

Down 2-1 entering the sixth inning, Vero Beach worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out situation to keep it a one-run game entering its final at bat.

Vero Beach then got a runner to second base with one out, but failed to produce the tying run.

Despite the setback in the title game, it was quite a run for the team.

At the Southeast Regionals, Vero Beach went 2-1 in pool play and won the semifinal to reach the pinnacle in its division.

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In the semifinals, Vero Beach scored the first six runs of the game, including a three-run second inning, to defeat South Durham, North Carolina, 6-2.

Vero Beach made it to the semifinals by going 2-1 in pool play. It won its third game by scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 6-1 decision over Dulles, Virginia.

To reach the regionals, Vero Beach won the state tournament for the first time in 28 years.

The journey began by going 7-1 during an eight-day stretch to win the Florida District 17 Tournament.

Then it was off to Sectionals in Melbourne, where it defeated Wellington and Beachside.

Vero Beach 10U then traveled across the state to Bonita Springs for the state tournament. It went 2-1 in pool play, rallying to defeat Niceville, 7-5 for the state flag. Vero Beach trailed 2-0 and 5-2 in the game.

In the Southeast Regionals, Vero Beach started with a bang, crushing Warner Robins, Georgia, 10-0.

Vero Beach was up 7-0 in its second game against South Carolina, but trailed 8-7 in the sixth inning. Vero Beach then tied the game at 8-all to send it to extra innings before falling 9-8.

Members of the team are Colton Christy, Cordell Baker, Janxiel Galagarza, Wyatt Partee, Brody Vordermeier, Brantley Payne, Kohen Schofield, Stryder Schofield, Alexander Short, Davis Stancil, Grady Williams and James Willis.

Coach Williams said the key to the long run was the players’ determination.

“These kids don’t quit,” said Williams, who is assisted by Hans Stancil and Ross Partee.

Williams also praised the Vero Beach community for their contributions that permitted the team to travel to the tournaments.

“The community has been outstanding,” he said. “The community outreach has been amazing.”

To make it even more prestigious for the players, the games were broadcast on the Vero Beach Little League All-Stars YouTube platform for the fans who could not make it to the games.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Vero Beach Little League baseball team caps 'wonderful' run in championship game