LLWS - US & International Championships

Since Pennsylvania had made it to the final round of the US Championships of the Little League World Series, we thought we should try to leave by 11 to get a seat on the hill.  We paid $5 to park in a lot on the road so we would not have to walk so far to where we would be seating on the hill and also so we might have an easier time getting out after the game.  However, by the time we reached the Little League museum, the line was already backed up to the road and looping in the parking lot.

 

When we got to security, there was a table full of sunscreen in aerosol cans.  At first, we thought that it was nice of them to have sunscreen to spray on before entering the game.  Then we realized it was from where security would not allow spectators to bring in any aerosol cans, including sunscreen.  Most everyone was taking advantage of the "free" sunscreen and spraying themselves one more time before going through security.

When we got to the top of the banks, the lower bank where we sat Wednesday night was already full and the top bank was almost full.

However, Chuck found us a good spot where we could see all of the infield and most of the outfield.

It was a pretty day but a hot one.  Chuck kept adjusting his hat to keep the most sun off of him.

The international championship game between Mexico and Japan began at 12:30.

The ESPN commentators had to have been hot in that booth above home plate with their long-sleeve shirts and ties on today.

It was a very close game.

Before the end of the international game, we went down to concessions to get us something to eat because we figured the concessions and the restrooms would be really crowded between the international and US games.  When we came back up, the banks were almost completed filled with people.

There was one small spot behind the camera tower left for the kids to slide down the hill on and hundreds of kids slid on that one small spot throughout the whole day.

We got back up in time to watch the end of the international game with Japan winning in extra innings.

In between the games, we enjoyed our fried Oreos.

Actually, they were really fried Lance chocolate creme-filled cookies but only a real Oreo connoisseur can tell the difference.

As the sun continued to move across the sky, Chuck and Ken had to make some modifications to their sun protection.  :)

The US teams came out on the field to warm up before the game with the coaches batting balls out to the players to practice catching.

The Texas coach told his players they could cut off his dreadlocks if they won the Series.

Finally, it was time to start the US Championship between Texas and Pennsylvania.

There was a record-setting 45,716 in attendance at the US Championship of the Little League World Series.

The pitcher for the Red Land, Pennsylvania team, #22 Cole Wagner, hit a home run in the bottom of the 1st inning.

The rest of the game was very close and was tied up 2-2 at the top of the 6th inning when the Red Land pitcher threw his limit (85) of pitches and struck one more Texas player out.

The score was still 2-2 when Pennsylvania came up to bat but they went on to win 3-2 with a hit and RBI by Chayton Krauss.

The crowds went wild!  

And the players and coaches did too!

Wow!  What an exciting game!  Both games were very good.  Pennsylvania will play Japan for the World Series title tomorrow and we'll be back for that game too!