Tulsa National splits first 2 games at Southwest Regional, faces elimination Saturday

Tulsa National Little League opened the Southwest Regional in Waco, Texas, with a thrilling win but couldn’t keep the momentum going on Day 2.

After securing a 2-1 victory over Arkansas in Thursday’s opener, Tulsa National, representing Oklahoma, fell 8-1 to Louisiana on Friday in the winner’s bracket, sending them into an elimination game against New Mexico on Saturday at 11 a.m.

In Friday’s matchup, Louisiana broke open a tight game with a five-run fourth inning, powered by five hits and a pair of bases-loaded walks. Josh Rouse was the spark from the bottom of the lineup, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs. He also opened the scoring in the second with an RBI single.

Tulsa National starter Kash Cummings struck out nine in three innings, allowing just two hits and four runs (two earned). Offensively, Tulsa National was held to four hits, one each from Cummings, Jackson Lisle, Keagan Ashford, and Gibson Schreiner. Ashford drove in the team’s lone run. Despite drawing six walks and turning a double play, Oklahoma couldn’t keep pace with Louisiana’s timely hitting and steady defense.

Louisiana's pitching was lights-out early, with Cristiano Windham tossing 2.1 hitless innings and striking out seven. The Louisiana defense was flawless, committing no errors and turning a double play behind their pitchers.

Just a day earlier, Tulsa National opened regional play with a statement win over Arkansas. Jaxon Lisle dominated on the mound, striking out 10 batters over five innings while allowing just one hit and one run. Jackson Timmerman sealed the win with a scoreless sixth inning.

Tulsa jumped ahead in the second inning when Colton Robinson laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to score Cane Hobbs. Moments later, Gibson Schreiner singled to right to bring home Keagan Ashford. Schreiner led the team at the plate, going 2-for-2.

Now sitting at 1-1 in the tournament, Tulsa National must win Saturday’s game against New Mexico to keep its Williamsport dreams alive. New Mexico dropped its opener 10-0 to Texas West.