Six-run first inning lifts Silverado LL to regional win, one step closer to World Series

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Published Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011 | 2:42 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011 | 7:18 p.m.

The players on the Silverado Little League Majors Division squad couldn’t have asked for a better start in their quest to become the first Nevada team to reach the Little League World Series.

Silverado scored six runs in the first inning Saturday of its West Region tournament opener in San Bernardino, Calif., and Cade Adams pitched a two-hitter in an 8-3 win against Washington Little League of Utah.

The winner of the six-team regional advances to the Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Silverado sent 11 batters to the plate in the top of the first inning, connecting for five hits in blowing the game open for a 6-0 lead. Jayzen Ramirez and Gavin Morley opened the game with walks, and Omar Ortiz and Christian Turner followed with run-scoring singles. Brock Hershberger added a RBI double, and Mikey Ruiz plated another run with a single.

That gave Adams more than enough support. He was two outs away from pitching a no-hitter, striking out 10 and walking two. After giving up a first-inning walk, he was perfect until the sixth and final inning, when four straight runners reached bases — two walks, a single and a two-run double to cut the Silverado lead to 8-2.

Buddie Pindel recorded the final two outs to secure the win, including a game-ending strikeout.

"That big (first-inning) number definitely calmed him down a bit," Silverado coach Rob Adams said of Cade Adams, his son and pitcher. "He realized that he didn't have to be perfect. He knew he had to just throw strikes and let our defense do the rest."

Silverado added to its lead with two insurance runs in the sixth. Drew Wilcox singled and scored on a fielder’s choice, and Hershberger scored Ortiz with a sacrifice fly.

Ortiz had two hits and runs for Silverado, Hershberger had a pair of RBIs and Turner had two hits.

Silverado returns to action at 2 p.m. Sunday against Red Bluff Little League, the Northern California representative. Silverado also has games remaining against Northern California and Arizona, with the top four teams advancing to next Friday’s semifinals. The semifinals and finals will be televised by ESPN2.

The experience of playing in the regional is something the team of children ages 11 to 13 won't soon forget, coach Adams said.

“This is better than advertised. Just phenomenal,” he said. “Everything is top-notch. They go way of their way here to accommodate us and host us. Everything is centered on the kids having a good time playing baseball. It’s a great experience for sure.”