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Tournaments  | Story  | 7/1/2021

US Nationals Win 18u WWBA Crown

Matthew Welsh     
Photo: US Nationals (Perfect Game)
MARIETTA, Ga. -- US Nationals defeated Georgia Bombers 17u Marucci in a tight 2-1 affair on Thursday morning at Perfect Game’s East Cobb Baseball Complex to claim the 2021 WWBA 18u National Championship.
 
The tournament’s final game proved to be a pitcher’s duel with both teams registering a combined eight hits through seven innings. But contentious, low-scoring games are what high-level baseball is all about.
 
South Carolina commit Carson Hornung began what seemed a particularly plentiful morning for the National offense in the bottom of the first inning scoring teammates Dylan Hufft and Jackson Nicklaus on a bounding single through the middle of the infield. The Nationals took advantage of early-inning Bombers pitching inconsistencies and posted a 2-0 lead through the first.
 
“You know, I’m just trying to put the ball in play,” Hornung said. “[Kayne Jinks] was a good pitcher, who had a lot of good stuff, and I wasn’t looking for anything, just trying to drive it up the middle really.”
 
But little did everyone in the park know, those runs would not only be the only National runs scored all game, but also the only two they needed to take home the 2021 title. At the time, six additional innings looked to hold more than three runs in the game.
 
“It’s really important, especially in this atmosphere.” Hornung said of getting out to an early lead. “Everyone had energy, so when you come out first and you put it on them, it kind of puts them down and kind of affects them offensively and defensively.” 
 
Equally as important in securing the win was the effort of the uncommitted starting pitcher Sam Myers. Myers allowed only two hits to a Bomber team that repeatedly has proved to be among the most prolific offenses, not only during the tournament, but also the entirety of the summer. 
 
Through six innings and 101 pitches, Myers allowed only six total baserunners, and struck out three with a fastball that touched 85 mph and a 78 mph breaking ball to complement. Myers was four days removed from his start earlier in the tournament, where he allowed only one run. 
 
“I didn’t have my ‘A' stuff today, so I had to battle a little bit,” said Myers. “Will Bednar was a huge inspiration, last night for Mississippi State, going out there on short rest. So, I just tried to channel my inner Bednar to get it done.”
 
Myers successfully navigated three two-runner jams in the third, fifth, and sixth innings, giving his team and reliever Jeremy Rader the chance to close the door in the seventh. And close it out the Nationals did, again maneuvering around two more Bombers that reached base in the final frame.
 
Despite the expedited outing for Myers, he credits his work regiment and mental consistency in giving him the ability to pitch whenever necessary. The championship game of one of the largest tournaments in the world just happened to be one of those times he was called upon. 
 
“It feels amazing. I think I’ve worked my butt off, and it feels great to get the win,” Myers said. “And it’s a huge confidence booster going into college next year. It was a lot of fun playing with the guys, probably the most fun I’ve ever had, and so it just feels great to get it done.”

US Nationals' Brock Daniels was named the MVP of the event, having hit .355 with a pair of home runs and 13 driven in. Jackson Holmes, pitching for US Nationals, was named MV-Pitcher, as he tossed 11 2/3 innings over two outings, striking out 10 in each appearance and walking none.
 
Although not the final contest on their schedule, the Nationals have taken home perhaps the most prestigious tournament in the age class. Out of 81 teams in this weekend’s championship, the Nationals reign supreme across the country. 
 
As the summer rolls on, the Nationals will eye yet another strong finish at the Perfect Game 18u World Series in Hoover, Ala. come July 15. Even immediately removed from their Thursday win, the team expressed confidence in their chances of competing in future events. 
 
“We want the same thing.” Hornung said. “We’re going to come out, our bats are hot, and we’re going to face a lot of good competition. But we have to stay on our best game and just keep it rolling.” 
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