Vermont coach's error leads to NH team's victory (Little League World Series)

AP/Boston Herald ^ | 8/12/06 | AP/Boston Heraldo

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and from the Burlington (VT) Free Press:

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""My sons have played for Denis for four years," she said. "He is probably the fairest and most rule-minded person you can imagine. It was an honest oversight."

Tammy Frieberg, whose son Nate launched a two-run home run Friday, echoed the sentiment.

"It was an honest mistake," she added. "This coaching staff did a tremendous job."...

Portsmouth trailed 9-8 with two outs in the top of the sixth inning and had runners on second and third base. Place knew he wouldn't be able to provide his substitutes a turn at-bat if Colchester maintained the lead. He instructed his pitcher to throw a few wild pitches to entice Potsmouth's runner home to tie the game. That way his substitute would get to the plate in the bottom of the inning to avoid a forfeit.

Portsmouth manager Mark McCauley held his runner on third, however, directing his batter to intentionally strike out and end the game, according to reports in the Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader. McCauley protested the result, and his team won by forfeit.

"It was crystal-clear to me that (Vermont's manager) was not going to let the kids decide the outcome of the game," McCauley told the Manchester Union Leader after the game. "He was going to cover his tail. He was doing what was in the best interest of his team. I had to do the same for my team."