SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — California's minimashers bashed their way into the Little League World Series championship on Saturday night.
Andy Rios hit a grand slam in Chula Vista's nine-run first inning and the California sluggers routed San Antonio 12-2 to advance to today's final against Taiwan.
"USA!, USA!" the frantic California fans chanted after their team won the U.S. bracket.
Chula Vista will try to extend the United States' four-year 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 home runs in the first, and Graft added a two-run drive to center in the third. California has 19 home runs in five World Series games.
Rios got Chula Vista off to a fast start in the top of the first when the shortstop leapt to his right to grab Travis Daves' liner before starting a double play.
Ramirez also was impressive on the mound, allowing one hit in a game that was shortened to 3 1 /2 innings because of the 10-run rule. After striking out Troy Montemayor for the final out, the 6-foot Ramirez pumped his arms, then pointed skyward and let out a big yell.
The 13-year-old slugger has turned into a star in Pennsylvania, with fans chanting "Luuuuke !"each time he steps to the plate. They were still hooting and hollering his name 15 minutes after the game was over.
"I can't explain the feeling," Ramirez said. "We've been together since we were like 7 or 8. We're all brothers out there, so it's great to share this."
It will be the first appearance for a California team in the World Series final since 2004, when Thousand Oaks lost to Curacao.
Texas lost for the first time this year. It was held scoreless until the fourth, when Jacob Ramos had an RBI double and another run scored on a passed ball.
Manager Mike Shull wasn't worried about how his 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."At a glance At South Williamsport, Pa.
SEMIFINALS SATURDAY'S GAMES International Taoyuan, Taiwan 9, Reynosa, Mexico 4 United States Chula Vista, Calif. 12, San Antonio 2 CHAMPIONSHIP TODAY'S GAMES All times Central Third Place At Volunteer Stadium San Antonio vs. Reynosa, Mexico, 10 a.m.
World Championship At Lamade Stadium Taoyuan, Taiwan vs. Chula Vista, Calif., 2:30 p.m.
Sports, Pages 27 on 08/30/2009