Skinner, base running snafus key to Nationals' first loss

American 9-year-old All-stars blank Nationals.

DANBURY - After four All-star games, Lamar National was averaging nearly 20 runs per game in running virtually untested to the District 18 championship round.

But then again, the Nationals had not faced a pitcher like Jacob Skinner.

The right-hander benefited from questionable Nationals base running and scattered six hits in going the distance as the Americans posted a stunning 5-0 shutout Monday night at Danbury Little League Park.

The championship rematch between the two Lamar National Little League teams is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Skinner walked three and did not fan a batter as the Nationals consistently put the ball in play. But the American defense was up to the challenge, being in the right place at the right time.

In addition to a great sliding catch by Hunter Goodwin in the second, the Americans got a running catch by shortstop Brandon Pruitt in the fifth.

But it was a rare triple play turned in the third inning that allowed the Americans to keep a 2-0 lead.

The Nationals loaded the bases on hits by Blake Palmquist and Corbin Geisendorff, sandwiching a Cody Love walk.

Bo Hoeffken followed with an infield fly near the mound that was called by the field umpire. The ball fell to the ground and National runners took off. A play at the plate was followed by a tag at second to complete the rare gem and get the Americans out of a jam.

Up by two at the time, the Americans responded with a three-run fourth. Skinner reached on an error, Zachary Escobar singled to left and a delayed double steal allowed Skinner to score.

After Kyle Boudreaux walked with two out, Cole Turney doubled in special-pinch runner William Loyd and Goodwin ripped a 3-0 pitch to the wall for a two-run double.

The Nationals threatened one more time in the sixth, getting two base runners on a Dylan Rock single off Skinner's glove and a walk to Brad Armstrong.

Karsten Fagan followed with a line single to center, but the National runners got off to slow starts and the relay in to the catcher was in time to nail the lead runner and end the game.

Two American hits led to a run in the bottom of the first. Pruitt walked and scored on a two-out double by Goodwin. Ryan Rickett singled to left, but Goodwin was thrown out at the plate on a nifty throw by Love.

The Americans tacked on a second run in the second. Daniel Boehm singled, Jack Johnson walked and Skinner's low liner down the first-base line appeared to be caught by Fagan.

But the field umpire ruled it touched the ground and Fagan stepped on the bag for the out. An ensuing throw to third was high, allowing Boehm to race home.