Bonita's Sweetwater Valley Little League team is heading to the World Series tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania after edging out Hawaii’s Waipio Little League 12-10.
Sweetwater Valley scored four runs in the first inning to set the tone against Waipio Saturday. Jacob Baptista finished with three RBIs, including a two-run home run. Antonio Andrade recorded the win for Sweetwater Valley going four innings giving up four runs over six hits while striking out four.
They finish the West Region Tournament with a perfect 4-0 record.
The thrilling game had many fans at the edge of their seats up until the game wrapped up. The team won 12-10 against Waipio.
"It was really exciting," said Maggie Clark said. "I believed in them so I felt they could do it. I was a little nervous when it was a really close score, but I believed in them and knew that they could do it."
The San Diego-area team is the third in six years to advance to the World Series.
"I'm not going to lie to you, it was getting intense; we're up five-nothing, then Hawaii comes back five-four; you can't let your guard down at any time," said Steve Eicher, a public address announcer for District 42 in the South Bay. "I think the fans had knots in their stomachs."
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Next up for Sweetwater Valley Little League is Bowling Green Eastern Little League representing the Great Lakes Region. They play Thursday, August 20 at Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, PA.
