It's a redux of David versus Goliath in Williamsport, PA, where the Boerne All-Stars stare down Florida's Lake Mary Little League with a trip to the Little League World Series Championship hanging in the balance. According to KENS 5, Boerne's squad has been an imposing force throughout the tournament, maintaining a pristine 3-0 record and setting themselves apart by a run differential that stands at a cool 18-3 against their competitors.
On the mound, Boerne's Julian Hurst was nothing short of astonishing earlier this week, dishing out a jaw-dropping 10 strikeouts in a complete game that left Florida struggling in the rearview mirror, as per reporting from News 4 San Antonio yet due to league-imposed pitch count restrictions his arm will be sidelined for Wednesday's bout, but he could return for the all-important US Championship on Saturday if Boerne continues their march to victory.
While Florida, not a team to be easily dissuaded, clawed their way back from an earlier defeat by Boerne to earn themselves another shot at the title after outscoring other opponents 24-9 in five games displaying a never-say-die attitude and finding some magic of their own. As they head into the semifinal showdown, Boerne's manager, Justin Newson, focuses on keeping his team grounded and prepared, "They don't take anything for granted and we don't let them," Newson told KENS 5.
First pitch for this high-stakes game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT in what's shaping up to be a riveting encore between two formidable little league titans; on the line is the opportunity to face either Chinese Taipei or Venezuela in the championship game where Boerne's blend of tenacious pitching and opportunistic batting could be the key in securing a coveted spot in the final, last occupied by a team from Texas when Lufkin made the journey in 2017, not to mention Florida's longstanding drought since East Boynton Beach represented the state all the way back in 2003.
