New Tampa Little League All Stars Keep on Winning

Before taking on Alabama yesterday, New Tampa Little League All Stars Head Coach Ed Thinger said the opponent would be tough but his boys were ready.

And ready they were. These neighborhood sluggers came back from a two-run deficit to beat Alabama 12-6 in Warner Robins, Ga. New Tampa on Friday will battle Georgia for the Southest Region final and the right to advance to the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Penn.

Yesterday’s achievement did not go unnoticed by locals – including Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon.

“Congrats to New Tampa LL on the win 2nite. Good luck in the region finals. Get to Williamsport and hoagies from the 3rd Base Dugout R on me,” he tweeted late last night.

The youngsters’ winning streak has spurred New Tampa Patch readers to weigh in, too.

“Way to GO NEW TAMPA!!! Outstanding team effort guys.........one more to go Friday. Congratulations on the win versus Alabama tonight players and coaches.  The Peterson Family,” Cregg Peterson wrote on the website.

Kristin Beal wrote: “Way to represent New Tampa little League! So proud of you boys:)”

Friday’s match-up against Georgia kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be shown on ESPN.

Florida-Alabama game stats via Littleleague.org:

Florida

BATTING

2B: A.Guiang 2 (2), C.Coringrato (2). HP: K.AlMutasim (1). HR: A.Guiang (3), B.Martin (2), K.AlMutasim (1), C.Grady (3). RBI: A.Guiang (5), E.Thomas (3), C.Coringrato 3 (9), B.Martin (4), K.AlMutasim 2 (6), C.Grady 3 (5). CS: B.Martin (1). Team LOB: 6. 

FIELDING

A: E.Thomas 2 (6), H.Havre (4), C.Grady (3), J.Guttentag (1). PO: A.Guiang (2), C.Coringrato 4 (12), K.AlMutasim 3 (8), E.Thinger 10 (31). TC: A.Guiang (3), E.Thomas 2 (9), C.Coringrato 4 (15), K.AlMutasim 3 (10), H.Havre (5), C.Grady (16), J.Guttentag (1), E.Thinger 10 (32).

PITCHING

BF: B.Martin 14, C.Grady 13. P-S: B.Martin 46-27, C.Grady 50-38.

Alabama

BATTING

HP: J.Poeschl (1). HR: G.Williams (1), M.Pepper (1). RBI: G.Williams 2 (2), M.Pepper 4 (6). Team LOB: 3.  FIELDING A: B.Carlson 2 (8). E: B.Carlson (1). PB: G.Williams (7). PO: G.Williams 10 (31), B.Kuhr (1), B.Carlson 2 (3), C.Smith 2 (6), J.Poeschl (1). TC: G.Williams 10 (32), B.Kuhr (4), B.Carlson 5 (12), C.Smith 2 (6), J.Poeschl (1).

PITCHING

BF: J.Lewis 10, K.Chandler 23, J.Poeschl 3.P-S: J.Lewis 45-24, K.Chandler 84-54, J.Poeschl 12-7.WP: K.Chandler (1).