For the second year in a row, the Los Gatos Legends are the Colt Little League World Series champions after beating Puerto Rico 13-3 on Aug. 9 in Lafayette, IN.
The Legends jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning with Bryson Brigman, World Series MVP Michael Tinsley and Lucas Erceg all reaching base safely and RBIs from Richard Boe, Theron Kay and Tyler Deason.
Los Gatos went right back to work in the top half of the second inning with hits from Tinsley and Erceg, who both scored on a couple of Puerto Rico errors.
Blake Billinger also led the hitting attack on offense with some key hits, while Brigman tied the Colt World Series record for runs scored.
Legends pitching coach Kris Hesenflow said that the strong team atmosphere helped Los Gatos prevail in the tournament, along with a great coaching staff.
"The boys really jelled and came together out here,” he said. “This environment at the World Series will do that. There is an aura around the stadium that's hard to explain. Frank Payton did an amazing job of bringing the team together. The kids love him. Coach Donnie Ecker had the hitters unbelievably locked in. Working with them and seeing their approach was really something to see. He slowed the game down for them and really there was no easy with the approach."
Los Gatos went undefeated in Lafayette after beating Mexico in the first and semi-final rounds, and Texas in the second, and saw ballpark attendance for each game of around 2,000 spectators.
The Legends got strong pitching throughout the tournament from Kevin Crane, Ryan Hogan, Lucas Jacobson, John Gavin, Mark Quinby and Deason.
Other members of the team include Lane Robinette, Blake Billinger, Erick Benedetti, Corby Punian, Craig Young and Keenan Brigman.
