Everyone's Got At Least One in the Books

As day two of regional play comes to a close, Ocean View, So Cal is beating up on in-state foe, Red Bluff, to the tune of 6-0 in the third inning. It's safe to start making some assumptions throughout the country.

New England

In a very big game between Andover National, MA and Cumberland American, RI, the boys from Rhode Island rallied for a 5-3 victory. The two story lines of the game centered on star players. For Rhode Island, the return of Chris Wright to the mound, was important for Cumberland's world series chances. Wright, who broke his ankle in June, missed all of districts, and returned to the lineup during states. He showed no rust with his bat while belting a few homeruns at that level. Now, after a 3 1/3 inning shutout relief appearance, his return is complete. For Andover, Mass., the loss hurts, but superstar Andrew Selima hammered his 18th homerun in 17 games. There may not be a better hitter in any Little League regional. The homerun was measured at approximately 348 feet. Along with Goffstown, NH (5-2 over Maine) and Fairfield American, CT (17-0 over Vermont), these are the favorites in the region.

Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic's talent is down once again, and the trend is disconcerting. Keystone, Pennsylvania showed off some bats today by ripping three homeruns off of Paramus, NJ's number two pitcher in an 8-4 victory, but the defense was a little suspect for the region favorites. Newark National, DE is currently in first place in the region with a 7-1 victory over Conococheague, MD. Delaware is now 2-0 after 16-2 victory on Friday over Northwest Washington, DC. The two wins from Delaware are potentially against the two teams who won't make the semifinals, however.

Southeast

The battle everyone in the Southeast was waiting for commenced for at least the first time this year. Warner Robins, GA upended rival Mobile West Side, AL 7-6 in a come-from-behind victory. The win for Georgia was key because it puts Alabama in a position to probably play New Tampa, Florida in a crossover. That's a team which nobody wants to see before the final. The wildcard is Tarheel, North Carolina. Tarheel faces Warner Robins in the final game of pool play and a victory by the talented boys from NC could throw a wrench in the plans.

Southwest

Two teams in the Southwest are already clinched into the semifinals. Pearland, TX and Lafayette, LA are both 2-0 and will face each other in the final pool play round for seeding purposes only. Midland, TX was eliminated in a blowout loss to Louisiana today. On the other side of the bracket, it's a complete crapshoot. Ocean Springs, Mississippi  dominated its opener.

West

Some of the most surprising results so far have come out in San Bernadino. One of them being Washington, Utah's 5-2 victory over Rio Rico, AZ on Friday. The region and possibly nation's favorite, Ocean View, CA is off to a good start beating up on in-state rival Red Bluff. Hawaii has been a powerhouse this decade, but dropped a close decision to Arizona. Silverado, NV is the wildcard in the West after a nearly dominant victory over Utah to open their tournament.

Northwest

Regional powers Washington and Oregon both got off to rocky starts, but only North Bothell, WA could turn it into a victory. Trailing 5-1 to Abbott-O-Rabbit, AK, Washington turned it on and beat the northern-most state 14-9. It was not an impressive start for the favorites. Bend South, OR didn't exactly open eyes with a loss to Lewiston, ID, but rebounded today with a victory over Big Sky, MT. Who knows what to think in the Northwest.

Great Lakes

Golfmoor, IN moved to 2-0 in the tournament after a late-inning victory over Burlington, WI. North Oldham, KY dropped its first game to Indiana in a one-run contest before exploding for 14 runs in a victory over previously unbeaten Hamilton West Side, OH. Burlington, WI looks to be the fourth team in this race. It seems there is no clear cut favorite yet.

Midwest

Harney, SD had the most impressive victory over the regional (a 15-1 win over Cherokee, KS), but it was against one of the weakest opponents. Grandview, IA won a pitcher's duel with Webb City, MO 1-0, and looks to be one of the regional favorites. Centennial Lakes West, MN is 1-0 after a shutout win over Nebraska and will test its mettle against Iowa today.