Manhattan Beach Little League Seniors reach Series

Ian McLoughlin delivered the game-winning hit to right field in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Manhattan Beach Little League Senior All-Stars defeated Hilo, Hawaii, 5-4, in the Western Regional Tournament championship game at Jay Littleton Park in Ontario on Tuesday night.

Manhattan Beach had a 4-3 lead going into the top of the seventh inning when Hilo tied the score on a hit batsman, a walk, and an RBI single before reliever Morgan Ascher got out of the jam with a strikeout.

In the bottom of the inning, Bret Collins led off with a two-strike single and Anthony Lombardo walked, setting the stage for McLoughlin, who came through to send Manhattan Beach to the World Series.

Turner Conrad hurled 5 2/3 strong innings for Manhattan Beach.

This marks the first time a baseball team from Manhattan Beach Little League has reached the regionals or the World Series. In 2003, the Manhattan Beach Little League 11- and 12-year-old softball team reached the World Series.

The Manhattan Beach (15- and 16-year-old) All-Stars are 15-0 in tournament play.

The Senior League World Series takes place in Bangor, Maine, Aug. 15-21.