In Mid-Atlantic's first game of the Little League World Series, it was the Ryan Harlost show. At the plate, Harlost went 3-3 with four RBIs and a home run, finishing just a single shy of the cycle. On the mound, he was just as effective. He gave up just three hits and kept New England scoreless, striking out five hitters over five innings of work. He only had 64 pitches, meaning all he needed was three days of rest. 

This game was scheduled to take place on Sunday, therefore meaning Harlost was ineligible to pitch, as the game against New England was on Thursday. However, heavy rain hit Williamsport on Sunday, and all games were postponed until Monday. This means Harlost could have pitched, leaving manager Scott Rush with a tough decision, either going with Harlost again or going with his original starter Michael Mancini

Rush chose to stick with Mancini, and he would not prove him wrong. Behind Mancini's terrific game on the bump, Mid-Atlantic defeated Southeast by a final score of 3-1. The team from New York remains undefeated at 2-0, and will face the winner of the matchup between Great Lakes and Midwest for a chance to secure a spot in the United States Championship. Southeast falls to 1-1,  and will take on West tomorrow, hoping to stay alive. 

Mancini's terrific game on the mound

The Southeast offense was not at its best in their first game but still managed to squeak out a walk-off win over Northwest, winning 3-2. They are led by twins Tanner and Tyler Jones, the first two hitters in their order. However, they ran into a good pitcher today in Mancini, and their bats were kept quiet. 

Michael Mancini had a remarkable 13 strikeouts on Monday afternoon. (Photo: Christina Hoy/VAVEL USA)
Michael Mancini had a remarkable 13 strikeouts on Monday afternoon. (Photo: Christina Hoy/VAVEL USA)

Following a groundout by Tanner Jones to open up the game, Mancini struck out five hitters in a row. The only inning he ran into mild trouble was the third, as Ryan Oden and Tanner Jones both had singles in the inning, but they were left stranded. 

Mancini also struck out the side in the fifth inning, keeping him at just 73 pitches through five innings. He struck out the first batter in the inning, his 13th of the afternoon. 

All smiles for Mancini after his success on the mound. (Photo: Christina Hoy/VAVEL USA)
All smiles for Mancini after his success on the mound. (Photo: Christina Hoy/VAVEL USA)

But Southeast would not go down without a fight. Following the strikeout, Zach McWilliams hit the first pitch he saw out of the ballpark, ending Mancini's day. Mancini finished 5.1 innings, yielding just four hits and one run while striking out 13 hitters. He tossed 81 pitches and will need four days of rest. 

The game getting pushed back a day turned out to be huge for Mid-Atlantic, as Harlost was still eligible to pitch. Rush made the move for Harlost, and he retired the next two Southeast players to earn the save. Harlost will still likely start Mid-Atlantic's next game, as he only threw nine pitches. 

Harlost produces at the plate again

Ryan Harlost may have been the biggest headline at the event following his sensational performance against New England. Although he was not on the mound for his second appearance in the tournament, his bat did not slow down whatsoever. 

Coming up to the plate with Mancini on first and one away, Harlost hit his second home run of the tournament in his first plate appearance in this game. It was a two-run shot and immediately gave Mid-Atlantic a 2-0 lead.  

Ryan Harlost (middle) celebrates after hitting his second homer of the tournament. (Photo: Christina Hoy/VAVEL USA)
Ryan Harlost (middle) celebrates after hitting his second homer of the tournament. (Photo: Christina Hoy/VAVEL USA)

Southeast starting pitcher Brock Duffer surrendered just two hits but struggled severely with his control. He walked three hitters in the third and allowed Mid-Atlantic to score their third run on a wild pitch in that inning. 

Ryan Oden was the next to pitch, and gave up just one hit through two innings, keeping Mid-Atlantic at three runs. 

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About the author
Oliver P. Gold
A Providence, Rhode Island based sports journalist and blogger with expertise in baseball and basketball. Includes MLB, NBA and NCAA College Basketball. New England sports fan of Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and Providence Friars.