Burbank softball team can't claim World Series title, 8-6

SOFTBALL: Despite a comeback attempt in the final inning, locals are defeated by Georgia, 8-6, in a nationally televised game.

August 18, 2010|By Jeff Tully, jeff.tully@latimes.com

(Tim Berger/Leader )

It wasn't the result they sought. However, despite suffering a loss on a national stage, the players and coaches of the Major All-Star softball team were able to make history.

Fighting their way until the final strike Wednesday, the Lady Legends just missed staging a monumental comeback in the championship game of the 2010 Little League Softball World Series.

Although it had the trying run at the plate with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Burbank couldn't complete the comeback, as it fell to a Southeast squad from Warner Robbins, Ga., 8-6, at Alpenrose Stadium in Portland, Ore.

The game was broadcast live on ESPN2.

It is the first time a team from the Burbank Little League advanced to a World Series in the nine-year history of the organization.

"The girls really battled, and they were up there trying their hardest up until that last out," Burbank Manager Bruce Del Castillo said. "I'm very proud of them and what they have been able to accomplish this season."

Georgia, which won its second straight World Series title, made three fine defensive plays that might have cost Burbank five runs.

Burbank (19-2) got into trouble early, as it fell behind, 4-0, in the top of the first inning. Two Burbank pitchers struggled with their control in the first, yielding five walks that contributed to Southeast's runs.

The locals were able to cut the lead in half with two runs in the second inning. Those runs were the first given up by the Southeast team in the tournament.

Georgia scored a run in the fourth inning and three in the fifth to take an 8-2 advantage.

But the locals continued to battle. Burbank was able to account for two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings.

The Lady Legends had six hits, including a two-run triple by Tori Talaveria, a double by Jade Teetsel, a two-run single by Kaitlin Okimoto and singles by Lili Floes, Michelle Santiago and Ashton Akins.

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