SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Ryan Harlost led Endwell, New York, to the Little League World Series title, striking out eight and limiting South Korea to five hits in six innings in a 2-1 victory Sunday.

Endwell became the first U.S. winner since Huntington Beach, California, in 2011, and gave New York its first title since 1964.

Conner Rush had the New York team’s only RBI to give Endwell a lead it wouldn’t relinquish in the bottom of the fourth. Harlost (2-0) scored the deciding run on a passed ball a batter later.

“I was just thinking get it in play any way you can,” Rush said. “Once that happens, you never know what can happen.”

Yoomin Lee homered for the Asia-Pacific champs from Seoul. Minho Choi struck out with runners on first and second to end the game.

Junho Jeong (1-2) gave up two runs on four hits and struck out nine for South Korea (4-2). He threw 31/3 innings of no-hit ball before Jude Abbadessa broke through in the fourth.

Walking to the plate as Endwell fans bellowed “Juuude!” Abbadessa broke up the righty’s no-hit bid with a single to center. Harlost followed with a liner to the same spot and Rush plated the go-ahead run with a hit that fell in behind the shortstop. Harlost raced home on a passed ball to give New York a 2-0 lead one batter later.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.