Before their opening game of the Little League World Series on Wednesday night against Washington, Alabama's Kinley Rasmus -- the 25th girl to ever compete in the tournament -- talked about "Fear the Bow." It's a mantra she and her Phenix City teammates came up with, referring to the big white bow she sports whenever she's pitching.
"It brings joy to me," Rasmus told ESPN. "Knowing they have my back whenever I take the mound."
But against the Washington batters, she barely needed her fielders' support.
Rasmus, the daughter of former big leaguer Cory and niece of former big leaguer Colby (two brothers who were on the Southeast squad that made it all the way to the LLWS finals in 1999), dominated for six scoreless innings. She gave up just one hit and struck out eight -- tying Mo'ne Davis for the most strikeouts in a Little League World Series game by a female pitcher.
Alabama ended up losing the game, 2-0, in extra innings and will play Washington again on Friday. They'll need a win to avoid elimination.
Rasmus has been the star of her Southeast squad, her hitting and pitching instrumental in helping them win their regional tournament and getting them to the Little League's biggest stage for the first time in 27 years.
Unfortunately, because Rasmus threw 81 pitches, the 12-year-old won't be allowed to pitch in that game. But still, she can play shortstop, and as she showed on Wednesday, she can play some shortstop.