The Little League World Series concluded on Sunday in Williamsport, PA with Hawaii defeating South Dakota 5-0 in the 3rd place consolation championship game. While the ending of the journey may be a little disappointing, South Dakota’s run to the semifinal round is the best performance by a South Dakota little league team at the event.
In an interview with the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota head coach Mike Gorsett explained how proud he is of his team.
“I’m proud of what they did on the field. I’m proud of what they did off the field. I hope Little League remembers Sioux Falls, because we tried to do all the right things around the complex as well,” explained Gorsett. “I can’t wait to get back home. I’m excited to let this town celebrate with us.”
South Dakota has had a team qualify for the Little League World Series just five times, but this year’s squad performed at an all-time level by winning its first three games of the event.
Ace pitcher Gavin Weir had two dominating pitching performances. He pitched 5.2 shutout, no hit innings in South Dakota’s first game of the tournament and then in the quarterfinals pitched a complete game no-hitter. Weir’s pitching performance throughout the state tournament, districts, regions, and the Little League World Series is one of the best pitching performances in history by a little leaguer.
Michigan, who topped South Dakota in Saturday’s semifinal game, went on to win this year’s World Series event. South Dakota’s final game on Sunday against Hawaii is one that coach Gorsett told the Argus Leader that he’ll remember for a long time.
“So glad we had the opportunity to play Hawaii. They’re just a class-act team. That’s what we strive for. I told our boys, ‘I don’t know how many outs and hits and strikeouts we’re going to remember.’ I’ll tell you what, that postgame, I’ll remember that forever.”
The Sanford Pentagon is planning to honor this year’s Little League team from South Dakota with a welcome home event on Wednesday evening.
Congrats to the Sioux Falls Little League team on an unforgettable run at the #LLWS!
— Sanford Pentagon (@SanfordPentagon) August 29, 2021
In honor of that, we're working with several partners to hold a special "welcome home" event at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the #SanfordSports Complex. Stay tuned for more details. Safe travels, fellas! pic.twitter.com/3bzXQSkvy3
