Summerlin South Little League players test positive for COVID

Summerlin South had 10 players for the game in San Bernardino, California — the minimum allowed — in a contest won by Hawaii-Honolulu, 7-6, on wild pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Because Little League rules dictate only two coaches are allowed if the roster number drops below 12, Summerlin South also lost an assistant.

“Next man up mentality,” Hutton texted before playing Hawaii. “Trust your teammates.”

Little League Baseball made the announcement earlier Monday, saying its regional web page that Summerlin South reported the positive tests. After contact tracing was conducted, the league determined Summerlin South was able to play.

The positive tests occurred sometime after Summerlin South won the state championship July 25 and the start of the regional. Hutton said the players in question “will join the team as we advance.”

Those who test positive are required to sit out for 10 days. All others are tested when they arrive for the regional, and those who are unvaccinated are tested every other day. But those who tested positive before the tournament will not be retested.

The Hawaii’s Zach Bagoyo scored the winning run with two outs and the bases loaded. Summerlin, which trailed 6-5 entering the sixth inning, tied the game when Stone Amsden scored when Alec Kajoika reached base on an error. Amsden led the team, going 3 for 3 with two runs scored.

Summerlin South, which represents Nevada, is trying to play for a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It next plays at noon Tuesday against Southern California representative Torrance, California.

Usually, one team qualifies from each regional, but because there is no international division this year because of COVID restrictions, the top two teams will advance.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.