North Regina squad holding heads high after tough loss at Little League World Series

The North Regina Little League All-Stars are dusting themselves off after a tough 6-0 loss to Chinese Taipei on Thursday at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Derek Bilboe, the father of Team Canada’s Jackson Bilboe, told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday that even though it wasn’t the result the team was hoping for, he felt the boys had a great game.

“I think they were a little nervous to start. Obviously (being on) an international stage and first time playing in front of upwards of 6,000 people was definitely a little intimidating and a new experience for these boys,” Bilboe said.

He added the Canadian champions went up against a Chinese Taipei starting pitcher who threw balls at almost 145 kilometres per hour or 90 miles per hour, something he said most people don’t get to experience.

Three pitchers combined on a perfect game for the winning side, retiring all 18 batters they faced in the six-inning game.

Despite the loss, Bilboe said Team Canada’s players are holding their heads high and are confident they’ll still have a lot of fun at the tournament.

“They came down to the park after they had a bite to eat and they hung around the parents and watched the U.S. game,” he added.

Even if someone doesn’t have a kid playing in the tournament, Bilboe said it would still be once-in-a-lifetime experience for them to attend the legendary event.

“Everything from … the crowds to the people to the facilities, the volunteers have done an amazing job,” he added.

As Canada gears up for a must-win game against Czechia on Saturday at 2 p.m., Bilboe said the Little Leaguers from Regina will be at batting practice on Friday.

“Every team here is sharp and ready to play ball. They’re obviously world-class athletes for their age group,” Bilboe said. “(The) boys won’t be taking any team lightly and I think it’ll be a great game of ball.”