Dynamic Africa

Uganda leaves Little League World series with first victory

The official 2012 Little League World Series records will show Uganda had a 1-2 record.

The first team in the series from Africa posted its first win Tuesday with a 3-2 victory over winless Gresham, Ore., in a consolation game. Both teams had been previously eliminated.

“This was so great,” said Lugazi manager Henry Odong, who carried two of the smaller Oregon players in his arms after the victory.

“We came here to make friends,” he said.

Oregon jumped off to a 2-0 lead in the fourth when Hunter Hemenway tripled down the right field line scoring Greg Mehlhaff and Tyler Pederson, who had singled.

Lugazi tied it in the bottom of the frame when winning pitcher Daniel Alio and Felix Enzama singled and later scored on a wild pitch and passed ball, respectively.

Ronald Olaa scored the winning run in the fifth when he scampered home from second when Oregon shortstop Brett Falkner’s throw to first to try to complete a double play went wild.

A line out to relief pitcher Echon ended the game with two runners on base. The Howard J. Lamade Stadium fans gave both teams a standing ovation as they celebrated together on the field.