Placentia Pony Bronco team captures World Series title with victory over Tokyo

Placentia Punishers (light uniforms) after winning the Pony International World Series title with the runner-up team from Tokyo. (Photos courtesy Placentia Pony Baseball).

Placentia Pony Bronco’s 12-and-under all-stars completed the mission Monday night, winning the International World Series title with a 3-1 victory over Tokyo, Japan in the championship game in Laredo, Tex.

Placentia Punishers went undefeated in the eight team tournament and captured four tournament titles going 16-0. The Punishers also won the regional, super regional and zone tournaments.

Tyler DaRosa threw 5 2/3 innings, allowing one unearned run and Finn Knapp threw 2 1/3 nnings, earning the win, according to Manager Nick Nunnari. Luke Hartshorn had a single and an RBI and Finn Knapp scored two runs for the Punishers.

“Incredibly proud of this group of boys,” Nunnari said Tuesday. “This is the most tight-knit team we have had and it showed on the field. They could’ve folded multiple times over this all-star journey, including this weekend, but would not be denied. It has been such a pleasure to coach these boys and watch them compete day in and day out.

“Once again, Tyler DaRosa was masterful on the mound and Finn Knapp came in and slammed the door shut for us. We did just enough on offense to beat a very good team. The pitching on both sides today was fun to watch.”

Placentia also notched two wins vs. a team from the Dominican Republic and one against the host squad from Laredo, Tex. to reach Monday’s final.

This same group from Placentia won the 11-and-under World Series last year in Virginia.

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