Pusateri's Walk-Off Bomb Lifts Braves in World Series

If you thought walk-off home runs were fun for big leaguers, just imagine how it feels to hit one as a little leaguer.

With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth, Frank Pusateri launched a two-run home run over the right field fence to lift the Braves over the Mariners yesterday in game one of the Merrick Little League World Series at Lakeside School, 5-3.

With a huge grin on his face, Pusateri rounded the bases and then was bombarded by his teammates when he crossed home plate.

Pusateri, who homered in the boys majors semifinal game against the White Sox, was all smiles after the game.

"This home run felt better than the other one," Pusateri said. "It was a walk off in the World Series, and it's my first World Series home run. "

The Mariners got the first run of the game in the top of the first inning, when Anthony Karp reached base with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Chris Hagerman followed with a double in the right field gap to score Karp and give the Mariners a 1-0 lead.

The Mariners expanded their lead in the second inning without the benefit of a hit. After Mickey Cianfrone, David Aiello and Zack Sodano all reached base via the walk, Austin Young walk also draw a two-out walk to drive in the Mariners' second run of the game.

"I thought my team played well," Young said. "We hit well and fielded well. We couldn't do anything about that home run. It was a tough loss but we'll get them back on Sunday."

It wasn't until the bottom of the fourth when the Braves finally got on the board.

After a leadoff walk by Chris Nethaway, Ed Krzemski was hit by a pitch. After a fielder's choice by Pusateri where Nethaway was called out for runner's interference, Krzemski came around to score on a wild pitch.

Another wild pitch occurred shortly after that to score Pusateri and tie the game. After Ryan Lacaustra drew a walk, he would advance to third on a single by Evan Rothchild and then score on the third wild pitch of the inning to give the Braves a 3-2 lead.

"It was a well-pitched game by both sides and we were fortunate that things worked out our way," Braves coach Joe Pusateri said. "We still have another game to go and we can't take this team lightly."

The Mariners got the run right back to tie the game in the top of the fifth. Kenny Petter and Jared Gott led off the inning with back-to-back singles, and then Sodano hit a well-struck ball to shortstop that Pusateri managed to turn into a double play.

However, a wild pitch during the next at bat allowed Petter to score to tie the game. Young drew another walk after this and made his way to third after a couple of wild pitches. He would attempt to give his team the lead, but he was thrown out at home trying to score on a wild pitch on a nice throw from catcher Rothchild to his pitcher Krzemski to to tag him out at home.

"I'm proud of both teams," Mariners coach Steve Beichert said. "They played a great game and it came down to the last at bat. I congratulate the Braves and we look forward to the next game."

The score remained even heading into the bottom of the sixth. After Krzemski reached base with a single, Pusateri lined a ball over everyone's head and over the fence to give his team the 5-3 victory.

"We played a good game," said Evan Biancardi, who hit a double in the game. "Frank came through with the home run and he starts on Sunday so we feel pretty confident about that. Hopefully we can come through with the win."

The two teams will meet again for game two tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Lakeside.

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