SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — California’s mini-mashers bashed their way into the Little League World Series championship Saturday night.
Andy Rios hit a grand slam during Chula Vista’s nine-run first inning and the California sluggers routed the Texans from San Antonio 12-2 to advance to today’s final against Taiwan.
Chula Vista will try to extend the four-year U.S. winning streak in the World Series title game. Taiwan advanced with a 9-4 victory over Mexico.
Luke Ramirez and Bulla Graft also hit consecutive homers in the first inning and Graft added a two-run drive to center in the third. The Californians have hit 19 homers in five World Series games.
Rios got Chula Vista off to a fast start with a terrific play at shortstop in the top of the first inning, leaping to his right to stab Travis Daves’ liner before starting a double play.
Ramirez also was impressive on the mound, pitching one-hit ball in a game that was shortened to 3 1/2 innings because of the 10-run rule. After fanning Troy Montemayor for the final out, the 6-foot Ramirez, 13, pumped his arms, pointed skyward and let out a big yell.
“I can’t explain the feeling,” Ramirez said. “We’ve been together since we were like 7 or 8.”
It will be the first appearance for a California team in the World Series championship game since 2004, when Thousand Oaks lost to Curacao.
The Texans lost for the first time this year. They were held scoreless until the fourth inning, when Jacob Ramos had an RBI double and another run scored on a passed ball.
Manager Mike Shull wasn’t worried about how his Texas team would handle the loss.
“I’m sure they’re over it now,” he said. “I’d be willing to bet they’re up in the (recreation) room now waiting for Chula Vista to beat them in pingpong.”
In the first game, Taiwan took advantage of six Mexico errors and scratched out runs on a bunt single and a bases-loaded walk to take the international title. Taiwan is back in the overall title game for the first time since 1996.
