Toms River East got one step closer to its second straight Little League World Series appearance in thrilling fashion.
With two outs and a runner on first in the top of the sixth inning on Wednesday night, Toms River East (NJ) pitcher Tyler Todaro threw a wild pitch past catcher Ryan McHugh. The runner, Fairfield American's (CT) Will Hathaway, took off for second base as the ball ricocheted off the backstop. McHugh corralled it and fired a laser to shortstop Jayce Cappello, who laid down the tag.
But the suspense didn't end there. Originally ruled safe, the umpiring crew went to video replay to determine the bang-bang play. The call was overturned. Toms River East erupted in celebration after securing the 3-1 victory, and one of their former stars – Todd Frazier, maybe you’ve heard of him – got to partake in the call on ESPN.
They will play Massapequa, N.Y., Friday night in the Metro Regional final for a chance to advance to the Little League World Series.