Mifflin County falls in World Series opener

Wisconsin takes advantage with five fifth-inning runs

WILLISTON, N.D. -- The fifth inning for the Mifflin County Babe Ruth 14-year-olds was a disappointment to say the least

Mifflin County fell to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 10-3, on Sunday in the first game of pool play in the Babe Ruth World Series.

Today, Mifflin County plays, Fargo, North Dakota, at noon (Eastern).

Mifflin County led 3-1 going into the fifth inning, but then things went the other direction.

In the fifth, Eau Claire scored five runs on two hits, four walks and an error to take a 6-3 lead.

"Again, we fell behind in the count and had to pitch from behind," Mifflin County manager Bill Corbin said. "We beat ourselves today. I always preach walks and errors can cost you."

In the bottom of the fifth, things didn't get much better for Mifflin County. The local all-stars got the bases loaded with no outs. Chase Hartung singled, Elliott Yetter reached on an error and Madden Weaver laid down a perfect bunt.3-1.

But, with batters No. 3, 4 and 5 coming up, Mifflin County got a strike out, fly out to right field and hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning.

'We didn't get any clutch hits today," Corbin said. "We had some opening-day jitters. Remember, Eau Claire got to play yesterday (Saturday) and we didn't."

Wisconsin added three more runs in the sixth inning and one in the seventh.

Mifflin County scored its first run in the third. Nate Parkes was hit by a pitch and Nazae Traxler was sent into pinch run. He stole second, went to third on a balk and scored on a ground out by Elliott Yetter.

In the third, Mifflin County went ahead 3-1. Logan Ruth walked and Reese Christine followed with his second hit of the day. With one out, Jayden Smith singled in a run and Gavin Powell hit a sacrifice fly to right field.

Mifflin County used three pitchers and they gave up 10 walks, seven hits and had four strike outs.

Mifflin County finished with eight hits. Chase Leister had a single in the sixth and Hartung had a base hit in the fifth. Yetter and Michael McNitt had singles in the seventh.

"We have to play better today," Corbin said, "Every game is now a must win."

Notes: Mifflin County is now 3-3 in opening games in Babe Ruth World Series play ... Corbin now has managed or coached in more game than any other person in league play, 230. The old record was held by Scott Reigle, 223 ... Christine had a big catch for Mifflin County in the third inning in center field.