Calif. pounds Texas, advances to play Taiwan for Little League World Series title

Calif., Taiwan advance to Little League title game

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Andy Rios hit a grand slam in a nine-run first inning and Chula Vista, Calif., routed San Antonio, Texas, 12-2 on Saturday night to advance to the Little League World Series title game.

Luke Ramirez had a three-run shot and Bulla Graft connected for the first of his two homers in Chula Vista’s big first inning. The California sluggers pounded their way into Sunday’s final against Taiwan, which beat Mexico 9-4 to advance.

Ramirez also pitched one-hit ball in a game that ended after 3½-innings because of the 10-run rule.

It will be the first appearance for a California team in the World Series final since 2004, when Thousand Oaks lost to Curacao.

Jacob Ramos had an RBI double for Texas.