Is Philadelphia pitcher Mone Davis suffering from the Sports Illustrated Jinx? Davis was the first Little Leaguer to appear on the cover. Just days after pitching a shutout in the Little League World Series, Davis gave up three runs and six hits in two and one-third innings in an 8-1 loss to Las Vegas. The 13-year old phenom is certainly a special athlete, and not just because she happens to be a girl. Davis has already made a splash in the Little League World Series, and her team, the Taney Dragons, is still in the tournament despite their disappointing loss to Las Vegas.
Sports physician Dr. Jeremy Ng says Davis is a remarkable athlete, with the necessary tools to excel in sports due to her flexibility and control, as well as an advanced understanding of what she is out there to do.
Though she may be statistically ahead of the curve compared to the 13-year old boys she's playing against, she is competing against the best in the nation (via New York Times):
"'That's what makes what she's doing even more remarkable,' Ng said. 'She's facing many boys who have had a similar developmental advantage. And she's striking them out.'"
Davis isn't perfect, however. On the heels of her impressive 4-0 shutout against South Nashville, she struggled early against Las Vegas on the way to the Dragons' 8-1 loss (via ABC News):
"Davis and her teammates trailed 3-0 when she moved to play first base. She had six strikeouts but gave up six hits and one walk in 2 and 1/3 innings.
"Since she only threw 55 pitches, Davis will be eligible to pitch Saturday if Philadelphia advances to the championship game."
While people nervously joke about the Sports Illustrated Jinx, it seems to have claimed yet another victim .
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