Blame it on the pressure of the Little League series, an overnight media blitz or on the Sports Illustrated cover jinx: Mo’ne Davis, star of this year’s Little League World Series, was pulled from Wednesday’s game after allowing three runs against Las Vegas’ Mountain Ridge, ABC News reports.
In the end, Davis’ Taney Dragons suffered a crushing 8-1 blow. While Las Vegas advances to the championship finals, Pennsylvania’s Taney will have to beat Jackie Robinson West on Thursday in an elimination game that will determine who faces off against Las Vegas.
Davis became the first girl to throw a shut out in the Little League World Series and was the first Little League player ever to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, ABC News said.
Superstitious fans are likely to blame Davis’ setback on the curse of the Sports Illustrated cover. Last week’s honor went to Ohio State’s Braxton Miller — but the university announced on Tuesday he’ll miss out on the upcoming season because of a shoulder injury. Tom Brady’s 2008 injury and 2012 loss to the New York Giants came just weeks after gracing the cover of the magazine.
Davis will be eligible to pitch on Saturday if her team advances to the final.
[ABC News]
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