I always love watching the Little League World Series. There’s just something about kids pouring their hearts out on that field and being so excited just to play the game that reminds me why I’m such a big sports fan.
But I had never seen a girl step into the batter’s box in South Williamsport, Pa. — until Tuesday night.
Katie Reyes, a 13-year-old first baseman for Vancouver, British Columbia, sent a two-run single into right field in the top of the sixth inning to give Canada a 14-13 lead over Germany.
It turned out to be the game-winning hit, and tournament officials could not remember that feat ever being accomplished by a girl in the Little League World Series.
Oh yeah, she also racked up two other hits and caught the game’s final out at first base.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m stoked that Reyes made Sportscenter. But I can’t wait for the day when the reason a play like that is a highlight is because it won the game, not because Reyes happens to be a girl.
Congrats to Reyes and Team Canada for breaking a barrier, so to speak, and I hope more young girls follow suit in the coming years.
Reach the reporter at gina.mizell@asu.edu.
