Georgia Falls to Tennessee in Region Championship Game

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Just one run was the difference on Friday night in who got to go to the Little League World Series next week in Pennsylvania and who had to stay home here in the southeast. 

Tennessee picked up its only run of the night in the second inning off a passed ball, and they went on to beat Georgia, 1-0.

“I give Tennessee all the credit,” says Georgia manager Martin Pinckney.  “I mean, they played fantastic. They were a great team.  I’m disappointed in the quality of umpiring in this game.  I will be honest, and I’m saying that with all the class in the world.”

There was a bit of controversy in the game, but before the game started, a packed house at Little League Southeast Park watched Warner Robins Mayor Chuck Shaheen present a City of Warner Robins pin to all members of both teams to remember their run here in the regional tournament.

The first batter of the game, Georgia’s Tee Adams, reached first on an error by the Tennessee shortstop.  He would steal second but would end up stranded.

In the bottom of the second with the bases loaded, Georgia pitcher Leyton Pinckney’s pitch got by home plate, allowing Tennessee’s Blake Osborne to reach home from third for what would turn out to be the winning run.

Georgia would bounce back from the run with a huge catch by third baseman Jackson Will, and the boys from the Peach State were fired up heading to the third.

Now to the controversy: Pinckney hit a line drive down the left foul line, but it was stopped by the umpire’s foot.  They’d call it a foul, and Pinckney would later strike out.

Tennessee held Georgia to just one hit and they went on to win the Little League Baseball Southeast Region Championship Game.

For Georgia’s boys, their summer is now over. 

For Tennessee, on the other hand, they’re heading to the Little League World Series next week in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.