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Fortunately, Zarzour remembered again the words of ol' coach Jimmy Watson about keeping your head up after a mistake.
Though deflated at losing his no-hit bid, Zarzour didn't lose the next batter. With runners on the corners and the Giants within a homer of getting back into the game, the Big Z ended things by luring Royce Clayton into a routine 6-4 out. Contest over. Phillies win 5-0.
As he trotted off the field — to an amazing ovation from the fans and plenty of high-fives from teammates — Zarzour was a mix of emotions. He had pitched the best game of his career thus far — a one-hit complete game with 13 strikeouts and only one walk — but he had lost a chance at some big time history right at the end.
Andrew's mom finally let go of the usher's arm and cried a little after everything died down. Andrew's dad was still as proud as ever and kept shouting, "That's my boy! That's my boy!"
As for Coach Jimmy Watson, well he was proud too, even talked to his wife after the game about getting back into Little League coaching ...
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