Scotts Valley Little League (SVLL) Majors Red Sox capped off a dominant season with a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win over the Blue Jays in the championship game on June 4 at Siltanen Park.
Finishing the regular season atop the standings with a 10-2 record, the Red Sox stayed hot in the playoffs, winning three straight to claim the SVLL Majors title.
Red Sox pitcher Jack Van Every got things started on the mound, keeping the Blue Jays scoreless in the top of the first. The Red Sox jumped out to a quick lead, scoring three runs in the bottom of the inning thanks to clutch at-bats from Jackson Muhly, Ethan Bailey and David Lukina.
The Blue Jays responded with four runs in the second to take a 4-3 lead, and after a triple by Weston McWilliams, their pitching held the Red Sox scoreless in the bottom half. In the top of the third, a key defensive play by right fielder John Watson kept the game within reach for the Red Sox.
Throughout the season, the Red Sox were anchored by the solid play and bats of Lucas Nygaard, Jasper Lyons and Travers Pentin. In the fourth, the Blue Jays tacked on two more runs to extend their lead to 6-3. But the Red Sox answered back with a two-run double by Micah Stiles, closing the gap to just one run.
Joe Swisher took over pitching duties in the fourth and delivered 2 2/3 scoreless innings, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the sixth and facing the Blue Jays’ ace, the Red Sox mounted one final rally. After a leadoff strikeout, Swisher doubled, followed by a walk to Van Every. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position.
After another strikeout, the Red Sox were down to their final out. With two outs and two strikes, David Lukina delivered the biggest hit of the night—a single to left field that brought home both runners and sealed a walk-off win for the Red Sox.
With the victory, the Red Sox will represent Scotts Valley Little League in the Majors Division Tournament of Champions (TOC).
On June 8, the Red Sox won their first TOC game against the Live Oak Little League Yankees 7-6. In true Red Sox fashion, Joe Swisher hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the sixth inning to drive in Jasper Lyons and seal the victory.
The Red Sox continued in the TOC on June 11, after press deadlines.
