Emma and Evan March of Burnaby are a local one-two punch for Canada at the 75th Little League World Series, which begins this weekend.
Twins Emma and Evan play for South Vancouver Little League that won the Canadian national title following a 4-1 victory over previously unbeaten Toronto High Park in the championship game last Sunday.
Emma, 12, is a pitcher and plays first base, while brother Evan is the team’s catcher.
Emma struck out seven batters and threw a one-hitter in the semifinals of the provincial tournament in a 12-0 win over Victoria Beaconhill. She also chucked another one-hit game at the nationals in a 10-0 win against host Elites de Valleyfield that secured a berth in the semifinals for South Van.
Emma also helped her cause at the plate against Valleyfield, with three hits in three trips to the plate, including two runs batted in and a run scored.
The B.C. reps blanked the Southwest All-stars from Alberta 2-0 in the semis to advance to the national Little League final.
Evan finished the nationals in top 10 in batting with a .450 average, including nine hits, two home runs and nine RBI.
Emma was not far behind, batting .368 with seven hits, including two doubles and three RBI.
South Van fielded a 6-2 record at the nationals, while scoring 53 runs and allowing just 18.
South Van’s provincial title was its first in 38 years, while Emma becomes just the 17th girl to play in the Little League World Series.
South Vancouver will represent Canada in Williamsport, Pennsylvania against Mexico on Friday.
