A big at-bat and a no-hitter put Mexico within a few wins of what would be its first Little League World Series final since 2008.
And if the Mexican team won this decisive match, they would win the title for the first time in 25 years.
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Miguel Padilla is the big hitter. His composure in the batting box has earned Mexico two stunning wins so far, a 6-1 win over Puerto Rico and a 10-0 no-hitter win over a Canadian side that previously stunned Japan .
Number 9 primarily plays as a third baseman and pitcher. He tied the Puerto Ricans for four and a third innings, during which he allowed just one run and gave out eight strikeouts.
He also homered in each of Mexico’s games. Miguel and David Zárate hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning against Puerto Rico.
“As the manager says, we have to keep working and feel comfortable,” Miguel said. “I’m very happy to have hit two home runs.”
The Mexican team, from Matamoros, a border town with Texas, plays this Wednesday against Taiwan, a team that has become a power in the Little Leagues. Miguel would be eligible to take the mound under tournament throw limit rules.
Hernan Mireles tossed two of five no-hitters Monday against Canada, allowing one walk. David finished the game unstoppable with three innings of perfect relief, including six strikeouts.
It was the first no-hitter Hernán had played in, he said. And he commented that he didn’t even know it happened until the post-match press conference.
“It’s the World Series, every game is different,” said manager Víctor Salazar. “We have to work to keep the guys focused in the next games.”
While David helped a lot on the mound on Monday, he also helped on the wood. He hit a home run and a brace in the first game, the win over Puerto Rico.
Despite tough tests ahead, the opportunity to give Mexico their first title in this tournament since 1997 has the boys dreaming.
“It’s very important. We have that in mind all the time,” Salazar admitted. “The goal is to be champions and make history.”
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Max Ralph is a journalism student at Penn State.
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