Aberdeen, Md. – Sunday’s Cal Ripken World Series title game will feature the U.S. Champions, Ohio Valley (Southeastern Lexington, Ky.) facing International Champions, Japan. The World Championship game will be played in Cal Sr.’s Yard at the Ripken Youth Baseball Academy at 2 p.m. on August 21, 2011 and air live on MLB Network and MLB.com/LIVE.
JAPAN 10 vs. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 3
Japan defeated the Dominican Republic in the International Championship 10 – 3. Leading the way for Japan was Kasuke Nagata, who had five RBIs on two hits, a triple in the first inning and a double in the fourth. Nagata also recorded the win allowing two runs over two innings.
The Dominican Republic recorded just two hits off Japan’s starting pitcher, Kazuki Sakurai. Sakurai allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out six batters in three innings of work. Oscar Vergez reached base two times and had a single in the fourth inning for the Dominican Republic.
Japan’s manager, Koji Okumura said, “This is a win for all of our host families for hosting us and supporting our team. Our players are in great condition thanks to them and their hospitality. We are very happy to have another game and are excited to play the U.S. Champions tomorrow.”
OHIO VALLEY 10 vs. PACIFIC SOUTHWEST 0
Ohio Valley’s (Southeastern Lexington, Ky.) bats were alive early as they defeated Pacific Southwest (Oahu, Hawaii) 10 – 0. Scoring eight runs in the first three innings, Ohio Valley put the game out of reach early and the game ended after the fourth inning due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Austin Dick hit a two run homerun in the first inning and also threw four scoreless innings on the mound for Ohio Valley. Kaelen Covington, C.J. Bush and Aiden Elias each had RBI singles in the second inning helping Ohio Valley put runs on the board early.
Ohio Valley hit three home runs in the win. The additional home runs came from Parker McCoy in the third inning and Zach Bryant homered in the fourth. Ohio Valley’s Kainen Bibb, Bryant, Dick and McCoy combined for six hits and six RBIs.
“Our slogan at the very first practice was that we were going to work hard to make it to the final game of the U.S. Championship in the Cal Ripken World Series,” said Ohio Valley manager, Donnie Covington. “Now, we are excited to be playing in the championship game on Sunday.”
OTHER NOTABLES
Special guests were on hand to throw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the U.S. Championship game. Former NFL player and 2001 Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, O.J. Brigance, and his wife Chanda tossed out the first pitch to Cal Ripken, Jr. and received a $2,500 donation from the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for their nonprofit organization, the Brigance Brigade. O.J. is battling ALS and the Brigance Brigade’s mission is to assist others living with the disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. For more information, visit BriganceBrigade.org.