But that's not how it worked out. PA National got knocked into the elimination bracket by Hillsborough, losing 9-3 on July 6. PAN had won their first game, 14-2 over San Mateo American, on June 30.
Since then the PA National squad has won three straight games while hitting a total of 10 home runs. PA National eliminated Half Moon Bay, 15-5 before toppling host Belmont/Redwood Shores 11-3.
Last night, in a thriller that came down to the bottom of the 6th, PA National beat a tough Redwood City Highlanders team in a pitcher's duel, 2-1. Austin Poore hit a walk-off home run with one out in the bottom of the 6th. PA's other RBI came when Kirby Gee drove in pinch-runner Nick Wells from 3rd; Gee reached base on a rare Highlanders' error.
Clay Carey pitched a brilliant complete game -- a rarity with the pitch count limits in place -- using only 65 pitches over 6 innings.
PA American won two games, beating Menlo-Atherton in an offensive nail-biter, 12-11, and then blasting Ravenswood 10-0. PAA then ran into the San Mateo National juggernaut, losing 10-4 and setting up the North-South match.
The elimination game between PA National and PA American will take place on Saturday, July 14 at 9AM at Belmont/Redwood Shores Marina Field. The winner moves on to play for the elimination bracket championship, and a spot in the tournament championship game on the road to Williamsport.
Click here to see the tournament bracket: Web Link
