The Blair Little League Minors All-Stars finished just a win shy of the Nebraska state championship game in Kearney.
The All-Stars lost an 8-3 game to Memorial Little League during the semifinals Saturday afternoon. The loss capped their state run across two weekends at Patriot Park. They went 3-2 altogether.
Blair trailed 5-1 during the fourth inning, but scored two runs during the bottom half to pull within 5-3 of Memorial. The opposition, however, scored one run during the top of the fifth frame and pulled away late.
Notably, the Little League All-Stars earned their spot in the state semifinals with an 11-10 win Friday night. Blair topped Cardinal Little League during the quarterfinals matchup, out-hitting its opposition 8-6.
The All-Stars fell behind 3-1 during the game, but later jumped out to an 8-3 lead. That advantage disappeared, but Grayson Mills broke the 10-10 tie during the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring on a wild pitch.
The Blair roster included Garrett Abraham, Easton Anderson, Liam Casey, Drake Brown, Grant Hahn, Henry Hansen, Gentry McCoy, Kalon Mills, Michael Pakiz, Emmett Swaney, Charles Ternus, Finley Thallas and Mills. They were coached by Nick Swaney, Tim Anderson and Trent Hansen.
Rookies go 4-1
A Blair Little League Rookies team recently competed during a Hillside/Keystone Tournament, according to Blair Little League social media.
The squad went 4-1 overall during the age 8 and younger tourney, placing second. It fell to Keystone in the finale, but started pool play 3-0 and opened bracket competition with a win.
