By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Giants walk-off to claim National Little League championship
National LL Giants
The Giants pose in celebration after walking off to win the Turlock National Little League championship (Photo contributed).

The Turlock National Little League champion has been crowned after the Giants beat the Dodgers by a score of 8-7 on Tuesday night at Soderquist Park.

The Giants were led by Brynnen Cupit, who started the game on the mound. Cupit lasted 4 2/3 innings, striking out 13 while allowing five hits and six runs. 

Even though Cupit surrendered six runs in his start, the Giants offense was on fire for most of the game. The Giants were able to grab one run in the each of the first two innings before exploding for a three-run third inning. They had a five-run lead heading into the fourth inning.

Unfortunately for the Giants, the early lead ceased to last. The Dodgers scored five runs in the fourth inning, and the game was tied at seven runs after six innings. After the Dodgers’ rally, Max Hall came on in relief of Cupit out of the bullpen, tossing a clutch 2 1/3 innings.

With the game still tied at 7-7 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Brayden Scotland came up to bat with a runner in scoring position. After working a 2-2 count, Scotland slapped a base hit to drive in a run and subsequently end the game, clinching the league championship for the Giants. The game walk-off hit also secured a save for Hall.

Jackson Grigsby took the loss for Dodgers. Although he and his squad were on the losing side of the championship contest, he still impressed as he threw five innings, allowing six hits, six runs and earning six strikeouts.

“The Dodgers played a great game. They are a solid team and have shown so much improvement from the beginning of the season to the end,” said Giants manager Tricia Blevins. “They put up a good fight and made us work for the win.”

As the new Turlock National Little League champions, the Giants will now face the Turlock American Little League champions, the Rangers, in the highly anticipated City Championship on Saturday at Soderquist Park.

Blevins explained that her team has shown resiliency throughout the entire year, particularly the playoffs, finding unique ways to win games and keep advancing.

“We haven’t been perfect, but the boys have pushed through those times to make the next big play,” she said. “We plan to carry the momentum from the playoffs into the City Championship [and] are looking forward to a good game against the Rangers.”