The Macomb Little League 9-10 All-Star team claimed the Illinois Little League District 17 title last week in Beardstown, posting a perfect 3-0 record.
After receiving a first-round bye, the team began play July 6 against a Rushville squad that defeated Beardstown 11-6 in its opening- round contest the previous evening.
In a back-and-forth contest, Macomb scored six runs in the top of the fifth to grab a lasting lead before hanging on to win 16-13.
Macomb returned to the diamond two days later to face Brown County with the winner earning a spot in the title contest.
In another see-saw battle, Macomb led 7-6 before tacking on five insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth inning in securing a 12-6 victory.
Gaining an added day of rest, Macomb waited for its title game opponent.
It ended up being a rematch from two days previous as Macomb faced Brown County, one win away from the District 17 title.
The game was scoreless through three innings before Macomb scored a single run in the fourth before adding three insurance runs in the fifth.
Macomb tacked on a final run in the sixth on the way to closing out the contest with a 5-1 victory.
Over the course of their three games, Macomb pitchers recorded an impressive 33 strikeouts—a remarkable accomplishment for this age group.
Team members include Andersen Thorman, Brady Worthington, Christian Frederick, Colt DeCounter, Duncan Jones, Emmett Thompson, Leo Wright, Reed Dexter, Rysor Plate, Knox Greuel, Dominic Lyles and J.D. Adair.
The team is coached by Steve Worthington, Michael Jones and Brent Thorman.
The All-Stars advance to the Illinois Little League State Tournament in Roseland, where they will open tournament play Saturday at 5:30 p.m. against Clear Ridge, the District 15 champion.
