{"id":24643,"date":"2026-08-22T17:20:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T17:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=24643"},"modified":"2026-08-22T17:20:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T17:20:39","slug":"little-league-team-gets-absolutely-screwed-on-final-pitch-of-no-hitter-fans-stunned-by-call","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=24643","title":{"rendered":"Little League team gets absolutely screwed on final pitch of no-hitter, fans stunned by call"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Last year I said that Little League umpires should be held more accountable, and I’ve never felt more vindicated in my life.<\/p>\n

For those who haven’t followed every pitch of the ongoing Little League World Series (all of you), a California team was absolutely robbed this week on the final pitch of what turned out to be a no-hitter.<\/p>\n

Iowa won the game, 1-0, despite the boys from out west loading the bases with two outs in the sixth inning. Iowa starter Cooper Thissen struck out 15 and didn’t allow a hit in 5 \u2153 innings, but had to be lifted due to his pitch count.<\/p>\n

BARRED LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM FROM TULSA GETS REINSTATED FOR CHANCE TO PLAY IN WORLD SERIES<\/strong><\/p>\n

That’s when California worked a couple walks and loaded the bases, only to have a 3-2 pitch with two outs be called strike three in one of the most ridiculous fashions I’ve ever seen.<\/p>\n

Take a look:<\/p>\n

Umpires have to have some pride here<\/h2>\n

Lordy. I know Little League umps ain’t exactly Doug Harvey behind the plate (gold star if you get that reference), but come on. What are we doing here?<\/p>\n

That’s clearly \u2014 very clearly \u2014 a ball. Should’ve been ball four, and the game should’ve, at the very least, gone to extras. It’s a mile outside. It doesn’t even sniff the plate.<\/p>\n

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\"Mateo<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
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Sweetwater Valley’s Mateo Ruiz No. 4 reacts after a strike is called during the 2026 Little League World Series game against Davenport Northwest at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in South Williamsport, Pa.<\/span> (The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There’s having a “wide zone,” and then there’s calling a pitch a strike that’s six inches off the plate. Maybe more. Actually, definitely more.<\/p>\n

“Pretty bad, even for a little league strike zone,” one fan commented.<\/p>\n

“That batter should\u2019ve been tapping his helmet,” another said.<\/p>\n

Added a third: “Got him on the corner? Corner of what? The other batter\u2019s box?”<\/p>\n

Yeah, hard to argue with that. The ball literally is in the other box!<\/p>\n

STAY “FEARLESS” ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW!<\/strong><\/p>\n

I know Little League strike zones are different, I get it, but come on. This is Williamsport. The Little League World Series! This ain’t a 10 a.m. Saturday game in April where we’re all just trying to get home.<\/p>\n

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\"Sweetwater<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
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Sweetwater Valley, representing the West Region, waits to take the field during a 2026 Little League World Series game against Davenport Northwest, representing the Midwest Region, at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pa., on Aug. 21, 2026.<\/span> (The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Let’s have a little pride. A little self-respect. God forbid we have a semblance of a standard.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be better.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Zach Dean is a writer for OutKick.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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