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Braintree stumbles out of the gate in Little League World Series opener

Braintree drops into the elimination bracket and faces Lamar, Texas, the Southwest champion, at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Braintree's Logan Needle, shown here during a practice session in Williamsport, Pa., walked to lead off the game but it was all downhill from there for the New England champions. Caleb Craig/Associated Press

By Brendan Kurie, The Boston Globe

August 14, 2025

1 minute to read

It wasn’t the start Braintree was hoping for at the Little League World Series, but they’re not done yet.

Braintree was one-hit and Irmo, S.C., the Southeast champions, jumped all over the New England champion’s pitchers in a 13-0 four-inning game that ended by mercy rule in Williamsport, Pa.

Irmo chased Braintree starter Colman Gouthro in the second inning with the bases loaded and a 4-0 lead. Two-way star Joe Giulietti then launched a grand slam off reliever Henry Kuka for an 8-0 lead and Irmo never looked back.

Giulietti, who finished 2 for 2 with two runs and four RBIs, pitched 3⅓ no-hit innings, striking out eight and walking three before Brody Miller came in for the final two outs, allowing a single to Gouthro for Braintree’s lone hit.

In all, Irmo collected eight hits and eight walks.

Goutro allowed seven runs on six hits and three walks three strikeouts, Kuka gave up six runs on two hits and four walks with four strikeouts in one inning, and Owen Kippenhan got two outs, walking one and striking out one.

Braintree drops into the elimination bracket and faces Lamar, Texas, the Southwest champion, at 3 p.m. Saturday.