Taney Dragons win 4-0 in debut game of Little League World Series
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Philadelphia's Taney Dragons beat Tennessee 4-0 on Friday in their first game of the Little League World Series.
The Dragons started strong, maintaining a lead throughout the entire game.
By the end of the first inning, they were ahead 3-0 thanks to Jared Sprague-Lott's three run homer.
"With the runner on second, I was just thinking, 'Get a single,' a single scores a run, but I got a good pitch to rip and I ripped it," said Jared.
"It set the tone for the game. They had to play catch up and really attack the plate," said Joe Richardson, parent.
Taney extended their lead 4-0 after the top of the sixth. Tennessee fought hard in the bottom of the sixth but their bats proved to be no match for pitcher Mo'ne Davis.
Mo'ne pitched the entire game. She had eight strikeouts and only allowed two hits.
Mo'ne says the early lead helped.
"It always feels good to have a couple of runs on the board in the first inning so you know that you have to go out there and kind of shut them down," she said.
Her mom Lakeisha McLean, and all of the Taney parents, were beaming in the stands.
"I'm excited. I'm so excited. I don't know what to say, I knew she could do it," said McLean.
"They play as a team. You know the best acronym for team - 'together everyone achieves more,' that's what this team is about," said Trazanna Spearman, parent.
Taney walked away with a 4-0 victory and with Friday's impressive win, the Dragons are another step closer to bringing the Little League World Series title home.
Their next match-up will be against Texas on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2.
Parents and fans packed Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pa. for the game but Taney fever is being felt all across the Delaware Valley, especially right here in Philadelphia.
Mayor Michael Nutter hosted a watch party in Center City to cheer on the home team.
After word of their win, the excitement for the Dragons is only growing.
"I'd love to see us go all the way," said Seamus Maguire.
"I'm hoping that they will win," said Kirean Maguire.
Scores of people across the area are inspired by Taney's story and especially with pitcher Mo'ne Davis.
"I think it's cool that Mo'ne plays on the team. That's really inspiring that a girl can play baseball too - it's not just a boys sport," said Erin Maguire.
"She is playing baseball and beating all the boys," said Molly Bedenour.
Parents say no matter what the outcome, the excitement is also a teachable moment.
"We need to show our kids, our own kids, that it's important that we support our brothers and sisters," said Angel Jovine.
There is already talk about a parade down Broad Street if the Dragons bring the Little League World Series title home.
After Friday's victory, there's no question that everyone across the city is rooting for Taney to go all the way.
Follow Taney on Twitter and on Facebook during their LLWS experience.
