Follow all the action as the Smithfield Little League team takes the field today at 3 vs. Tennessee in its second game in the Little League World Series. The Rhode Island and Metro Region champs opened strong on Wednesday, beating Nevada, 3-1, on the strength of Connor Curtis’ 15-strikout performance.Today, Brayden Castellone takes the hill for RI, and a win over Southeast Region champion Nolensville, Tenn., means Smithfield will advance to face Northwest champion Seattle, Wash., at 3 p.m. Monday in a U.S. winners’ bracket semifinal.A loss sends the team to a Sunday morning (11 a.m.) elimination game against either New England Region champion Gray, Maine, or Mid-Atlantic champion Media, Pa.More:Here are the 5 best Rhode Island Little League teams of all timeMore:Smithfield sticks to winning formula against Nevada in Little League World Series openerHow to WatchToday’s game between Smithfield and Tennessee will be televised by ESPN. Follow the game live with our writer, Tom Robinson, who is on the scene in Williamsport, Pa. Smithfield trails earlyAfter two innings, the Rhode Island champs are behind, 3-0, to Tennessee. Brady McShane took over pitching duties for Brayden Castellone. Strong defense by Connor Curtis at first base and Gavin Gibree in center field in the first inning helped prevent further damage. Smithfield’s threat erasedSmithfield plated its first run in the fourth inning and then loaded the bases with no one out, but a flyout to right, then a nicely turned double play by Tennessee ended the threat with no further RI runs, with the score 5-1 after four innings.
