Big Leagues Meet Small Town in MLB’s Little League Classic

Last night, the Mets and the Mariners ended MLB’s players weekend with a bang, participating in the Little League Classic. While the MLB event itself is relatively new, the venue is not taking place in Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The ballpark located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest in the nation. The Little League Classic has taken place there every year since 2017, with this being the Mets' second time competing and the Mariners' first time. 

While the teams may change year to year, the one constant is the environment and atmosphere stealing the show. As per usual, one of the stars of the show was the young crowd filled with teams that have come from all over the world to compete in the Little League World Series. If you’re looking for a star on the field, there was none bigger than Mark Vientos, who came up big, going two for three with four RBIs and a home run. Despite it being the Little League Classic, there was nothing little about the offensive production as the two teams combined for 10 runs and 24 hits with the Mets winning 7-3.

New York got to Mariners starter George Kirby early, stringing together three runs in the second inning, then knocking him out in the fourth with four more runs. That would be the only offense needed, as Clay Holmes had a strong start, going five innings, allowing only one run. The Mets' bullpen would go on to surrender two more after the game was already out of reach. This win gave the Mets their first series win since the end of July. 

While the offense was the driving force today, with every starter reaching base, yesterday, it was the pitching. With the recently called-up Nolan McLean giving them five and a third innings with eight strikeouts. Now that the offense has seemed to turn things around and has a newly bolstered rotation, this Mets team is poised to make a run. Still currently hanging on to a Wild Card spot by the skin of their teeth as they continue their season Tuesday night against the Nationals. The Mariners are next in action Monday against the NL East-leading Phillies. Seattle, in a division race of their own, can give the Mets a little boost by taking care of business against their East Coast rivals.