As the Los Angeles Dodgers make their push for the playoffs in hopes of bring home a World Series title for the second time in four seasons, another baseball team in California already won a championship of their own.
The El Segundo 12U All-Stars were crowned the 2023 Little League World Series champions on Sunday after defeating Curacao to end the tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
They became the eighth California team to win the Little League World Series, which is tops among all U.S. states, and the state’s first since Ocean View Little League in Huntington Beach won in 2011.
To honor their achievement, the Dodgers are hosting the El Segundo Little League team at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.
So proud of our El Segundo squad. Can’t wait to see you champs at Dodger Stadium on 8/29! pic.twitter.com/yPvoNEBA6r
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 28, 2023
Bring it home, El Segundo! We’re rooting for you. #LLWS pic.twitter.com/OYIhZelO4I
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 27, 2023
Wishing the El Segundo team the best of luck in the US championship game of the @LittleLeague World Series today! pic.twitter.com/4G2Q2REHTX
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 26, 2023
El Segundo won the championship game, 6-5, on a walk-off home run from shortstop Louis Lappe. It came after they blew a four-run lead in the fifth inning when Curacao hit a grand slam.
Throughout the 11-game tournament, El Segundo only lost once, which came against Needville, Texas, to force them to go through the elimination round.
After winning the championship, the team returned to Los Angeles International Airport with supporters ready to great them, and then to El Segundo for a parade of thousands of people celebrating them upon their arrival.
An official parade in the city is planned for Sunday, September 10, on Main Street, beginning at 12 p.m. PT.
Dodgers shared support for El Segundo before Little League World Series
Prior to the World Series game against Curacao, some Dodgers players including Mookie Betts, who was named National League Player of the Week, Freddie Freeman and Evan Phillips, shared messages of support for the El Segundo team.
Manager Dave Roberts also wished the El Segundo luck and said the Dodgers were following them throughout the tournament.
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