Golden Hill Little League from Fullerton showcased an impressive performance in their semifinal match against Northern California’s Alpine Little League on Wednesday night, winning decisively with an 11-0 score at Al Houghton Stadium in San Bernardino. The victory propels Golden Hill into the West Region final where they will face Hawaii.
In a game marked by strong pitching and strategic hitting, Gavin Janicke took the mound for Golden Hill, delivering a standout performance by striking out a tournament-high 14 batters. This achievement highlights Janicke’s development as a reliable asset, with Golden Hill’s manager, Joe Janicke, expressing heartfelt pride in both his son’s athletic skills and his commitment to the team.
The match was particularly significant within the context of Little League competitions in California, where Southern California is known for its competitive edge. With this latest victory, Southern California holds an overall 8-4 advantage against Northern California in matchups since 2010, further fueled by local pride and a desire for bragging rights.
“Tonight’s score may seem inflated, but they simply ran out of pitching,” said manager Joe Janicke. He emphasized the importance of adaptability by admitting that the team had altered their lineup multiple times over the tournament in pursuit of the best results.
Strong hitters like Lincoln Ploog added two significant runs with a timely two-run single, while Evan Cho and other teammates contributed to the onslaught that saw Golden Hill score five runs in the final inning alone.
Despite Gavin Janicke being unable to pitch in the final due to pitch count rules, the team appears to be in formidable form. Lincoln Ploog, who has been effective in relief, is set to take the mound in the crucial matchup against Hawaii. Ploog expressed confidence in his preparation and readiness to face the challenge ahead.
As the championship game approaches, Golden Hill embodies the spirit of teamwork and resilience, hopeful for a win that would resonate deeply within their community.