Poland defeats Texas, 5-4

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Poland 11-2 Little League softball team defeated Texas, 5-4, Thursday night in their World Series debut.

Representing the Central Region, the Ohio champions jumped on Texas for two runs in the first inning and three in the second.

Claire Testa was a catalyst for Poland, scoring a run in the first inning and another in the second.

Three errors by Texas allowed Testa and Ally Deemer to score for a 2-0 Poland lead.

In the second inning, Madison Rowe and Abby Masluk singled and Testa walked. An error and passed ball brought Rowe and Masluk in for a 4-0 lead. With two outs, Aleah Hughes singled to score Testa with Poland’s fifth run.

The Texans, representing the Southwest Region, rallied for four runs in the third inning. Five walks and Shannon Loukanis’ RBI single contributed to the rally.

Hughes started for Poland on the mound, pitching three innings. She allowed one hit, struck out four but walked seven batters.

Deemer relieved her, allowing two hits but striking out nine batters.

Today, Poland takes on Latin America’s Puerto Rico, which lost 18-2 to California on Thursday.

Poland plays California on Sunday and Canada on Monday.