Columbia was eliminated from the Little League World Series after a 2-1 loss to Beaverton, OR.
Jace Fry went the distance for the victors holding Columbia to just one run on three hits and striking out 10.
Ryan Phillips, who must’ve had the worst luck in the tournament, pitched all six innings for Columbia allowing two runs – one earned – on eight hits. Phillips pitched 12 innings during the tourney giving up two runs – one earned – on 10 hits and struck out 19 batters, but a lack of offensive support left him winless.
Columbia took the lead 1-0 in the second on Jeffrey Ausmus’ RBI infield single. They threatened to put more runs on the board in the third. Fry opened the inning striking out John Osborne, but proceeded to walk the next three batters loading the bases for the middle of Columbia’s lineup. Cleanup hitter Landon Clapp (0-for-4) struck out and Beau Burkett grounded out to end the inning.
After tying the game in the fifth, Beaverton struck again in the sixth. Miguel Rivera lined a one-out double, and advanced to third on a passed ball. Up came Devon DeJardin, who drove in Rivera with a single to put Beaverton on top 2-1.
Columbia finished pool play 1-2. Both of their losses were by one-run. Their win, the first for a Missouri team, was a 14-5 victory over Portsmouth, N.H.