This seems to be the year for Oregon baseball teams and we do not even have Major League Baseball.  In June, Oregon State University won the NCAA College World Series.  Now a Beaverton Oregon Little League team will be playing in the United States Championship game on Saturday.  It was not a pretty game, but it is still Little League. 

Murrayhill won 4 - 3.  The most interesting point to this win is that the Murrayhill pitchers combined for a No-Hitter.  Now, given that this is Little League, how is a team able to score 3 runs with out a hit, you might ask.  The answer to that is with a great defense.  Murrayhill pitchers hit two batters, had 4 wild pitches, walked 6 batter and the catcher had 2 passed balls. 

This morning on my way into work, the radio personality said that he was holding his breath throughout the final inning of the game, but that the defense behind the pitcher saved the game more than once.  The best part of watching Little League is that you know the players are playing because they love the game.  Watching this series reminds me, why I fell in love with the game of baseball in the first place. 

I have included the following picture shots to show how real baseball players should react to adversity.  The fist picture shows the Murrayhill team celebrating their victory, while a player from the loosing team walks off the field in defeat.  The next picture show another boy from the Great Lakes Regional Champion from Lemont Illinois who is being consoled not only by his father but also the coach from the Oregon team.  The third picture shows this boy walking through the “great game” line. 

David Rimkus, right, who was left on third base, walks off the field as Murray Hill celebrates. Murray Hill won Wednesday's game 4-3.
Picture by Ross William Hamilton

Ron Pool consoles GL Michael Hall after Wednesday's 4-3 loss in Williamsport.
Picture by Ross William Hamilton

Austin Perry, and Michael Hall at the end of Wednesday's game where Murrayhill won 4-3.
 Picture by Ross William Hamilton