New Jersey edged out Rhode Island in a tense Little League World Series elimination game that was locked at 0-0 before breaking open late. In the bottom of the fifth, with two on and no outs, New Jersey starter Derek Escobar was pulled after issuing a walk. His coach gave him some encouragement, telling him they’d need him for the championship game and predicting he’d get a big hit next inning. Reliever No. 9 came in and took care of business, striking out two and forcing a groundout to escape the jam.
In the top of the sixth, New Jersey finally broke through. A ground ball to second turned into two runs after Rhode Island couldn’t stop the lead runner, giving New Jersey a late lead. Escobar came up later but didn’t come through at the plate, grounding out on a clean play by the shortstop. Then he made up for it in the field. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, he made an off-balance throw from second to end the game. His relay was perfect, sealing the win and firing up the team. He didn’t deliver the bat his coach predicted, but his glove got it done.