The California team’s loss against Iowa in the Little League World Series on Friday didn’t come without controversy.
California were stifled by Iowa starting pitcher Cooper Thissen, who struck out 15 and didn’t allow a hit in 5 ⅓ innings.
But Thissen had to be taken out of the game due to his pitch count with one out in the sixth, when Iowa was winning 1-0.
California loaded the bases with two outs against relief pitcher Anthony Johnson Jr. and worked a 3-2 count before Johnson threw a curveball that looked to be off the plate.
Instead of calling it a ball that would have tied the game, the umpire rung up the California hitter, sealing Iowa’s win and combined no-hitter.
This fateful final pitch has gone viral on social media, with many believing it was way outside of the strike zone.
Granted, Little League strike zones aren’t at tight as the major leagues. But even by Little League standards, this appeared to be a tough call.
The West LLWS region team is from Sweetwater Valley Little League in Bonita, Calif., a suburb about 20 minutes east of San Diego.
Iowa’s team represents the Davenport Northwest Little League out of Davenport, Iowa, and is the Little League World Series’ Midwest region team.
After taking this loss, the California squad will battle their way through the U.S. elimination bracket.
Hopefully that same umpire isn’t behind the plate for their next game.
