SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP)
Will Lucas threw a no-hitter to lead Fairfield, Conn., past New Castle, Ind., 4-0 on Monday night at the Little League World Series.
The 12-year-old right-hander struck out 13 and also had a two-run single in the fifth. When it was over, he fell to the ground as his teammates piled on top of him near the mound.
One out away from the no-hitter, Lucas was surrounded by his infielders for an impromptu conference on the mound.
Lucas cruised through Indiana's lineup by changing speeds all night, and third baseman Kevin Oricoli dared him to mix it up even more by throwing a knuckleball.
Not a chance, Lucas said.
''If it was hit, he'd probably run out . . . and tackle me to the ground,'' said Lucas, an ice pack strapped to his potent right shoulder.
Matt Kubel homered for Connecticut, which will play California in a rematch on Tuesday night. Connecticut lost the first matchup 6-4 last week.
Canada, New Jersey, Taiwan and Indiana were eliminated in Monday's play.