Reds Ride O'Sullivan's Arm to Little League Crown

Pitching certainly wins championships.

Combining excellent starting pitching from ace James O'Sullivan and clutch hitting in a five-run second inning, and the Reds captured the boys juniors Merrick Little League World Series championship on Saturday afternoon by the score of 10-0 over the Red Sox at Birch School.

"I am very proud of you," Reds Manager Joe Salamo told his players following the win. "You played very hard, and it was a true team effort."

After losing game two of the series in crushing fashion, the Reds came out firing early. O'Sullivan was keeping hitters off balance with his fastball, and he knew that he needed to get the job done.

"I just needed to stay in the game and throw hard," O'Sullivan said. "It was a straight ride from there."

O'Sullivan took care of the Red Sox in the first two innings before his offense erupted, and it did so in a big way. O'Sullivan helped his own cause by doubling to start the rally. After Pellegrino and Janicek walked, Matt Dejesu singled in a pair to get the ball rolling.

"We needed to get those first two runs," Dejesu said. "After that, we did a good job of adding on."

The Reds added three more in the inning on a fielder's choice by Mark, as well as two bases loaded walks to Weschler and Bianco.

O'Sullivan continued to cruise, and he completed four shutout innings. At the plate, the Reds provided him insurance by playing small ball. Timely ground balls and patience at the plate to force walks led to runs, and the lead kept on climbing.

"It makes my job easier," O'Sullivan said. "I don't feel as much pressure when I have a big lead."

When the 10th Reds' run crossed the plate in the bottom of the sixth, the game was called due to a run-rule, and the Reds were pronounced World Series Champions.

"It's a great feeling," Dejesu said. "But it's not my first time. This is a very good team."

Kolberg got the start for the Red Sox, and other than the five-run second, he was very good. He threw four total innings in his effort.

"In the beginning of the year, we were a bunch of ragged head muffins," Red Sox Manager Scott Gross said. "We did a good job to get ourselves in this position, and even though we didn't win, we are still champions."

After the game, both teams received trophies, and Salamo took home the World Series trophy.

"This is for the families," Salamo said. "Without you, this wouldn't have happened."