Irmo, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Irmo Little League team from South Carolina opened their LLWS journey with an impressive 13-0 win over Braintree, Massachusetts. Star player Joe Giulietti excelled both on the mound, pitching a no-hitter with eight strikeouts, and offensively, hitting a grand slam. This victory not only showcased their talent but also marked the largest shutout for an American team in the tournament since 2015. Coach Dave Bogan praised Giulietti’s skills, as the team prepares for their next challenge in the elimination bracket.
South Williamsport, Pennsylvania
The Irmo Little League team from South Carolina began their Little League World Series (LLWS) journey with an outstanding performance, defeating Braintree, Massachusetts, with a score of 13-0 in their opening game on August 14, 2025. This victory was particularly notable as it ended the game after only three and a half innings due to the mercy rule, marking a strong start for the Southeast region representatives at the prestigious tournament.
Joe Giulietti, who not only excelled as a pitcher but also made a significant offensive impact, played a crucial role in Irmo’s triumph. Giulietti pitched for 3 â…“ innings, striking out eight batters while not allowing a hit—demonstrating his dominance on the mound. With this performance, he has now recorded a total of 20 strikeouts in just 9.1 innings pitched at the LLWS. In addition to his pitching prowess, Giulietti made headlines by hitting a grand slam in the second inning, becoming the first player from South Carolina to achieve this milestone in LLWS history, and only the sixth from the Southeast region.
The excitement in the dugout was palpable as Giulietti rounded third base and crossed home plate after his grand slam, leading his teammates in celebration. This featured a five-run rally in the sixth inning, solidifying their spot in the LLWS following their previous victory over the reigning champions from Lake Mary, Florida.
Coach Dave Bogan has extolled Giulietti’s talents, citing him as one of the best players he has coached during his 12 years with Irmo Little League. As the team prepares for their next challenge, a game against a Texas team in the elimination bracket scheduled for Saturday, their remarkable performance in the opener has set a high standard for the tournament. This win also stands out as the largest shutout by an American team in the LLWS since 2015.
Irmo’s batting lineup demonstrated strength not only from their top hitters but also from their lower-order batsmen, who collectively drew five walks, contributing to their overwhelming scoreline. The team took to the ESPN Big Bracket outside Lamade Stadium, celebrating their victory with team songs and camaraderie.
On August 15, 2025, another game of note in the LLWS saw Venezuela achieve a 12-0 victory with a no-hitter against the Czech Republic, showcasing the high-caliber competition of the tournament. Meanwhile, the Irmo Little League players are encouraged to maintain their academic commitments during this competitive stretch, utilizing Chromebooks to keep up with schoolwork while participating in the series.
Through the tournament, Coach Bogan highlighted the significance of bonding and communication among team members, which has evidently contributed to their success thus far. However, the team’s journey was challenged on August 18, 2025, when they faced Summerlin South. Irmo was narrowly defeated 1-0 in extra innings, despite Giulietti’s no-hitter pitching performance, while their opponents also displayed impressive talent on the mound. The attention on Giulietti continues to rise, drawing praise from managers of opposing teams.
Key Stats from Irmo Little League’s LLWS Opening Game
- Final Score: Irmo Little League 13, Braintree 0
- Game Duration: 3 ½ innings
- Strikes by Joe Giulietti: 8
- Total Strikeouts by Giulietti in LLWS: 20
- Grand Slams in LLWS by South Carolina Players: 1 (Giulietti)
- Total Walks Drawn by Irmo: 5
Upcoming Matches
Irmo Little League’s next game is scheduled against a Texas team in the elimination bracket on Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Irmo Little League make its LLWS debut?
Irmo Little League made its LLWS debut on August 14, 2025.
How did Irmo Little League perform in their first game?
They won against Braintree, Massachusetts, with an impressive score of 13-0, ending the game after three and a half innings.
What was significant about Joe Giulietti’s performance?
Joe Giulietti pitched for 3 â…“ innings without allowing a hit and struck out eight batters. Additionally, he hit a grand slam, making him the first player from South Carolina to do so in LLWS history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Little League World Series: Undefeated Teams Battle In Williamsport
Summerlin South Little League Team Advances in World Series
Irmo Little League Faces Tough Loss in World Series
Summerlin South Triumphs Over Irmo in Little League World Series
Irmo Little League Suffers Narrow Defeat to Las Vegas
Irmo Little League Faces Tough Loss to Summerlin South
Irmo Little League All-Stars Triumph Over Braintree
Irmo All Stars to Face Las Vegas in Little League World Series
Irmo Dominates Braintree in Little League World Series Opener
Irmo Dominates Braintree in Little League World Series Opening Game
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Live Blog – Irmo Looks to Advance in Little League World Series
- WLTX: Irmo Little League – Homework and Homeruns at World Series
- The State: Irmo Little League Update
- Wikipedia: Little League World Series
- Cola Daily: Irmo Opens Little League World Series with 13-0 Win
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.
