SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) _ Starting pitcher Bradley Smith
struck out seven and went 4-for-4 at the plate, and Petaluma,
Calif., held on for a 6-4 victory over Fairfield, Conn., on
Thursday in the Little League World Series.

The 13-year-old Smith strikes an imposing pose with his 6-foot-3
frame. He homered to center, doubled twice and added a sixth-inning
single.

But California couldn’t shake Connecticut. Will Lucas tripled
home a run before scoring on a passed ball to get Connecticut
within a run in the bottom of the fifth.

Connecticut threatened again in the sixth, but reliever Andrew
White got a double play and strikeout to end the game. The
12-year-old lefty pumped his fist after he left the mound to be
greeted by giddy teammates.

Biagio Paoletta homered for Connecticut.