Championship bid falls short

Down to their final at bat, they had hope.

Down to their final out, they continued to battle.

Down to their last strike, they weren't about to give up.

Down by four runs in the final inning of the 2010 Little League Softball World Series championship game against a Southeast team from Warner Robbins, Ga., the players of the Burbank Major All-Stars embarked on a spirited comeback attempt.

The locals were able to whittle the lead down to two, and brought the tying run to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. However, the attempt fell short, and Burbank went down to an 8-6 defeat Wednesday at Alpenrose Stadium in Portland, Ore.

"The girls really battled, and they were in there trying their hardest up until that last out," Burbank Manager Bruce Del Castillo said of the game that was broadcast live on ESPN2. "I'm very proud of them and what they have been able to accomplish this season. It's been a great year."

It was the first time in the nine-year history of the Burbank Little League that a team from the organization advanced to the World Series. The Burbank 12-and-under squad, which represented the West, went further than any team in area history.

"The loss is kind of bitter-sweet for the girls," Del Castillo said. "They are very disappointed that that lost the championship and they didn't win the World Series. But they also realize how far they have come this season, and even just getting to the World Series is a huge accomplishment."

Along with making it to the championship, Burbank also enjoyed another first when it captured the Western Region Tournament title earlier this month. In addition, the Lady Legends also won Section 2 and District 16 championships.

Burbank realized it would have a tough challenge against Georgia, which was not only undefeated coming into the title game, but had yet to surrender a single run in the tournament. The team was also attempting to win its second straight World Series crown.

Southwest did receive solid pitching and its hitters did well at the plate, but it was the team's defense that kept it in the game. Georgia fielders made three fine defensive plays that probably cost Burbank five runs.

Burbank didn't help itself in the early going, as it surrendered four runs in the top of the first inning.

"We made some mistakes early in the game," Del Castillo said. "We got jumpy a little bit, being the championship game and all. That got to them a little bit, and they really didn't play their best."