California might have had its most pressure filled game yesterday when Danny Marzo hit a walk off home run in the bottom of the 8th to beat New Jersey and live another day.
Even with the win, Bradley Smith was unable to pitch, their hitting had hit a bit of a slump, and they had to face a team in Fairfield, Connecticut that would want this game more than any of the 50 games they have played this summer.
With all of those factors against them, California came out focused and on a mission, defeating Connecticut for the second time and advancing to the semifinal Thursday night. After Bradley Smith went 4-4 in their first game against Fairfield, this 5-0 win rested solely on the play of their defense.
California pitcher Quinton Gago dominated the game from the mound, striking out 7 and only allowing 2 hits in 5 plus innings of work. A night after Indiana's offense was completely shutdown by Fairfield's Will Lucas, they were the ones struggling to get anything going on the offensive end.
"It was a great performance." said Hunter Smith of Quinton Gago's pitching performance. "This might have been the best I have ever seen him pitch."
If that is indeed the case, then what a time for Gago to pitch the game of his young life.
On the other hand, it was only a matter of time before the California bats began to heat up.
The bottom of the order started the rally in the second for California. With one out, Austin Paretti reached on an error in right field by Henry Prestegaard. James O'Hanlon then singled to center, putting runners on first and third. Fairfield shortstop Will Lucas made an incredible play to rob a hit by Cole Tomei, but a run scored in the process, giving California a 1-0 lead.
A simple throwing error lead to the next California run. After Bradley Smith struck out but still reached base, Austin Paretti laid down a bunt. Pitcher Matt Kubel bare-handed the ball but threw wide of Patrick Steed, putting runners on second and third. This was followed by a high fly ball by Hunter Smith. Instead of landing as a sac fly, the ball carried so much that it actually cleared the 2nd fence, giving California a demanding 4-0 lead
In what was a good pitching performance from Fairfield's Matt Kubel, errors disrupted what could have been a real pitching duel. The only mistake Kubel made was a big one. A three run home run by Hunter Smith in the third to give California a decisive 4-0 lead.
Apparently Gago didn't believe a 4-0 lead wasn't enough as he doubled in the 5th to bring home the fifth run of the game.
After coming so close to elimination, California is now in prime position to make a run in the United States bracket. Tonight was an indicator that they have plenty of pitching and an offense that seems to be coming together at the right time.
If one thing's for sure, the loser of Tennessee and Texas better be ready for a serious challenge on Thursday night. With a dominant pitcher in Bradley Smith, California seems poised to run through the loser's bracket and make a run at a Little League World Series title.
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