Warner Robins loses to California

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

South Williamsport, Pa. -- A Little League World Series thriller ended with heartbreak for Warner Robins American Little League.

The Warner Robins boys, representing their city, state and the Southeast, lost 11-10 to West region champion Chula Vista, Calif., in a U.S. semifinal game Thursday night at Lamade Stadium before 21,000 fans.

“We talked about leaving it on the field,” coach Randy Jones said. “I think we did that. They gave everything they had.”

The Warner Robins team lost in a slugfest that saw four home runs leave Lamade Stadium on an ideal August evening in central Pennsylvania. In the bottom half of the sixth and final inning, Chula Vista’s first three runners reached base.

The Warner Robins backers sat tensely in their seats. The infield drew in for a play at the plate. A dream season that saw the boys win their first 18 games of their season to get to Williamsport hung in the balance.

Pitcher Conner Smith fired a pitch that eluded catcher Jeremiah Stephens. Chula Vista’s Nick Conlin happily slid home with the winning run. With that, summer ended for the boys from Warner Robins.

Warner Robins was trying to uphold a remarkable Little League World Series history for Georgia. The first three teams to make it to Williamsport — East Marietta National in 1983, Columbus Northern in 2006 and the same Warner Robins American in 2007 — returned to Georgia with the world title.

Not only that, but Warner Robins’ girls softball team won its Little League World Series earlier this month in Portland, Ore.

As the game began Thursday night, nearly 10,000 fans filled the grandstands of bunting-trimmed Lamade Stadium. Just as many sat on the hill beyond the outfield beneath a limp flag raised to half-staff. With four days left in August, it was almost cool enough for long sleeves.

“It’s a lot nicer weather up here than it is back in Georgia, that’s for sure,” said Bill Harper, a retired schoolteacher from Warner Robins who drove to central Pennsylvania to see the tournament for himself.

The night had the feel of a state carnival. Vendors served up kettle corn. Children darted about under foot. Pleasant chatter and the buzz of the upcoming game charged the evening with energy.

After falling behind 5-1 in the third inning, the Warner Robins team showed pluck, rallying with nine runs in the top of the fourth. They did not lack for creativity, scoring with a home run by Conner, a wild pitch and two hit batsmen, among other things.

With each run, the parents, grandparents and siblings in the Warner Robins cheering section, clad in the team’s gold and red, rose to life, clapping and chanting “War-ner Ro-bins!”

But Chula Vista countered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth and three more in the fifth to tie the game at 10 going into the sixth.

Following the game, nearly all of the boys had tears in their eyes. For many of the boys, who have been together on all-star teams for four years, it was their first-ever loss.

“We always seemed to find a way to pull it out,” Jones said. “I think 24 hours, I think they’ll bounce back. It’ll take me a little bit longer. When I see the first pillow fight, I’ll know their back. I’m looking forward to that.”