Jakob Lemperle came through in a big way.
Lemperle homered and drove in the game-winning run with a fifth-inning RBI triple to help Colonie defeat Taney Youth Baseball of Philadelphia 5-3 in the Little League Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament Tuesday, Aug. 5, in Bristol, Conn.
With Colonie (2-2) trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the third, Lemperle launched a three-run homer to right field to tie the score. Then with one out and a runner on in the fifth inning, Lemperle belted a triple to center field that scored Zane Nelsen with the go-ahead run. Lemperle came home on a wild pitch for an insurance run.
Nelsen picked up the victory by pitching into the sixth inning. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out four. Lemperle got the final out in relief.
Colonie awaits the results of the final day of pool play Wednesday, Aug. 6, to see where it will be seeded and what team it will face in the semifinals Friday, Aug. 8.