Irmo dominates in Little League World series opener

Irmo’s fans made the long trip to Williamsport, the South Carolina gave them plenty to cheer about in their Little League World Series opener against New England.

The Irmo Little League All-Stars jumped ahead early in the bottom of the first inning. With the bases loaded, Andrew Bogan, son of manager David Bogan, lifted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Preston Ware for a 1-0 lead. A few batters later, Ryder Tillitz delivered a clutch two-out RBI single to make it 2-0.

In the second, Irmo’s offense exploded. Joe Giulietti broke open the game as he launched a towering grand slam to center. The six-run inning put South Carolina ahead 8-0.

Giulietti was just as dominant on the mound, striking out seven straight batters and finishing with eight strikeouts in the run-rule shortened game. Irmo cruised to a 13-0 victory, which was the largest U.S. opening-game shutout in the Little League World Series since 2015.

South Carolina advances to face its next opponent later this week.