Dublin’s epic Little League softball season fell one step short of the World Series.
The 12-and-under girls from the East Bay had a magical ride to the West Region final in San Bernardino, but the final hurdle was just a little too steep as Wilcox, Arizona advanced with a 5-0 victory in a game televised on ESPN.
Wilcox, which beat Dublin 6-3 on Wednesday, took command in the rematch with three runs in the first inning.
The Arizona team added two more runs in the second, and that was plenty for Hattie Macumber, who scattered three hits and struck out seven while pitching a complete game.
The first two batters in the top of the sixth and final inning reached base for Dublin, giving the Northern California team a sliver of hope that a big rally was possible.
But Macumber retired the next three hitters to send Wilcox to the Little League World Series in Greenville, N.C., next week.
Sofia De Leon, Zoe Munro and Emilie Shaffer each had a hit for Dublin, which beat Hawaii 6-2 on Thursday to earn a second game against Wilcox.
The Arizona team did not lose in the regional, winning all four of its games, three by shutout.
