California in LL finale

California’s mini-mashers bashed their way into the Little League World Series championship in South Williamsport, Pa., on Saturday night. Andy Rios hit a grand slam in Chula Vista’s nine-run first inning and the California sluggers routed San Antonio, Texas, 12-2 to advance to today’s final against Taiwan. Taiwan advanced with a 9-4 victory over Mexico. Luke Ramirez and Bulla Graft also hit consecutive homers in the first, and Graft added a two-run drive to center in the third. California has 19 homers in five World Series games. Ramirez also was impressive on the mound, throwing one-hit ball in a game that was shortened to 3 1/2 innings because of the 10-run rule.

– Associated Press