Lake Mary, Florida, August 8, 2025
News Summary
Lake Mary, Florida, suffered a narrow defeat to Irmo, South Carolina, in the regional final of the Little League World Series qualifiers, ending their hopes of competing in 2025. Despite dominating the tournament with a 4-0 lead, a sixth-inning collapse allowed Irmo to score five runs, securing their place in the World Series for the first time since 2015.
Lake Mary, Florida faced a heartbreaking defeat in the regional final of the Little League World Series qualifiers, falling to Irmo, South Carolina with a score of 5-4. This loss prevents Lake Mary from securing a place in the 2025 Little League World Series.
Lake Mary entered the championship game with an impressive undefeated record of 3-0 in the tournament and had previously outscored their opponents 26-1. The team surged to a 4-0 lead heading into the sixth inning, backed by a stellar performance from ace pitcher Jacob Brown, nicknamed “Big Gravy.” Brown pitched 5â…“ innings, striking out seven batters and not allowing any runs on three hits.
The defining moment of the game took place in the sixth inning when Brown reached his pitch limit after walking two batters. He was replaced on the mound by Levi Rodriguez, who struggled under pressure. Rodriguez’s first pitch allowed a single, followed by another walk that loaded the bases for Irmo.
In a strategic move, Lake Mary intentionally walked Irmo’s standout hitter, Joe Giuletti, allowing one run to cross the plate and cutting Lake Mary’s lead to 4-2. The pivotal moment came when Brady Westbrooks of Irmo hit a bases-clearing double to the left-field wall, scoring three runs and ultimately clinching the win for Irmo.
This victory marks Irmo’s first trip to the Little League World Series since 2015. Lake Mary’s defeat halted their ambition to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Tokyo, Japan, in 2012-2013.
During the tournament, Lake Mary’s pitching and defense had been formidable, not allowing any runs across 16 consecutive innings prior to the final game. Besides Brown’s performance, other key contributors in the championship match included Chris Chikodroff, who drove in one run, and DJ Mieses, who added two runs batted in.
Despite the loss, Lake Mary Little League manager Jonathan Anderson expressed pride in the team’s performance and camaraderie. Throughout the season, the focus had been on building team spirit, which paid off in the strong connections fostered among the players.
Lake Mary Little League’s loss comes at a time when the Lake Mary softball team continues to compete at the Little League Softball World Series. The baseball edition of the series is scheduled to take place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, from August 13 to August 24, 2025.
Although this setback is significant, the Lake Mary team looks forward to future tournaments with hopes of continued success and development.
Key Match Stats
- Final Score: Lake Mary 4, Irmo 5
- Lake Mary’s Record: 3-1 in the tournament
- Jacob Brown’s Stats: 5â…“ innings, 7 strikeouts, 0 runs
- Brady Westbrooks’ Stats: Bases-clearing double, 3 RBIs
- Lake Mary’s Previous Win Over Irmo: 14-0 on August 3
Future Outlook
With the season concluded for the baseball team, all eyes are now on the potential successes of the Lake Mary softball team in their ongoing competition, as well as the baseball team’s aspirations for the next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What led to Lake Mary’s loss against Irmo?
The loss stemmed from a sixth-inning collapse where Lake Mary relinquished a 4-0 lead, allowing Irmo to score five runs and take the win.
2. Who was the standout player for Lake Mary in the tournament?
Jacob Brown was the standout player, offering a dominant pitching performance throughout the tournament, including striking out seven batters in the final game.
3. When is the next Little League World Series?
The next Little League World Series will be held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, from August 13 to August 24, 2025.
4. What were Lake Mary’s stats leading up to the final game?
Lake Mary entered the final game with an undefeated 3-0 record and had significantly outscored their opponents 26-1 prior to facing Irmo.
Key Features of the Match
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Lake Mary 4, Irmo 5 |
| Key Player – Pitcher | Jacob Brown – 5â…“ innings, 7 strikeouts |
| Decisive Hit | Brady Westbrooks – 3-run double |
| Opponent’s Previous Loss | Lake Mary won 14-0 against Irmo on August 3 |
| Next Little League World Series Date | August 13 – August 24, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Irmo All-Stars Advance to Little League World Series
Irmo Little League All-Stars Reach LLWS After Dramatic Comeback
Irmo Little League Makes History by Qualifying for World Series
Irmo Little League All-Stars Make World Series History
Front Royal Little League Team Falls Short in Southeast Tournament
University of South Carolina Inducts Six into Athletics Hall of Fame
Lake Mary Little League Teams Make Their Mark in Championships
Lake Mary Little League Baseball Team Dominates in Semifinals
Lake Mary Baseball Team Advances to Regional Finals
Lake Mary Seeks Second Consecutive World Series Title
Additional Resources
- Florida Today: Florida vs. South Carolina Score Updates
- Wikipedia: Little League World Series
- Florida Today: Lake Mary Little League’s Walkoff Loss
- Google Search: Lake Mary Little League
- Click Orlando: Lake Mary Loses Heartbreaker
- Google Scholar: Little League World Series 2025
- Fox 35 Orlando: Lake Mary Boys Little League Run Ends
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Little League History
- Orlando Sentinel: Lake Mary Loses Lead in Regional Final
- Google News: Lake Mary Little League News
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
