Chula Vista loses Little League world title game to Japan
The Eastlake Little League team from Chula Vista lost to Japan, 6-4, Sunday in the world championship game at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.
The game ended with a crisply performed double play by Japan, crushing an Eastlake rally. For Japan, it was a second straight world title.
On Saturday, Eastlake beat Westport, Conn., 12-1, for the American title, while Japan defeated Tijuana, 3-2, for the international title.
In Chula Vista, hundreds of fans crowded into the Eastlake Tavern and Bowl to watch the game on 28 large-screen televisions.
Earlier on Sunday, Tijuana beat Westport, 15-14, to finish third.
In a video shown on national television, Dodgers star Adrian Gonzalez, who grew up in Chula Vista and Tijuana, had encouraged the Eastlake and Tijuana teams to play hard.
Minutes after the Eastlake-Japan game, the city of Chula Vista announced that there will be a civic celebration for the team Thursday night at the Sleep Train Amphitheater off Main Street. Parking opens at 5 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m., and festivities begin at 7 p.m.
“Chula Vista is excited to applaud your outstanding accomplishments,” Mayor Cheryl Cox said in a message to the Eastlake players and coaches.
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Twitter: @LATsandiego
tony.perry@latimes.com
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