Taney Dragons lose to Chicago 6-5, eliminating them from Little League World Series
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia's Taney Dragons loss to Chicago 6-5 on Thursday, knocking them out of the Little League World Series.
With Taney's loss, Chicago will advance to the U.S. title match on Saturday against Las Vegas.
Taney grabbed two runs in the top of the first but Chicago surpassed them with a 4-2 lead by the end of the inning.
Taney was scoreless in the top of the second but two more runs for Chicago in the bottom of the inning brought their lead to 6-2.
The Dragons got the bases loaded in the top of the third but still walked away scoreless.
Erik Lipton pitched the first two innings, but at the bottom of the third, Jared Sprague-Lott was brought in for Taney.
This time Chicago was scoreless but maintained their 6-2 lead after three innings.
In the top of the fourth, Zion Spearman got a two run single and Taney closed in on Chicago's 6-4 lead.
Kai Cummings hit a homerun for Taney in the top of the fifth and Chicago didn't score any runs in the bottom of the inning but they remained in the lead.
Taney rallied for a comeback but the team loss 6-5 to Chicago.
Parents who were in Williamsport say it's sad to see their Little League World Series journey end but the team certainly accomplished a lot.
"Yes they are champions. I just want them to come out and pick their heads up. They are the third best team in the country, they don't have anything to hold their heads down for at all," said Mark Williams, Mo'ne Davis' stepdad.
"This is going to be something they'll remember for the rest of their lives. A lot has happened the last few weeks, I think it'll take a day or two to have it sink it, but I think they'll look back and be really happy they had the chance," Quynn Shanahan, Tai Shanahan's mom.
"They're sad. They're sad that it's over. They'll be fine. This is our last year as all the kids in youth baseball, I think all the kids are upset thinking that we won't be together again," said Coach Alex Rice.
Even with their loss, the city of Philadelphia is still very proud.
Before the game Thursday, Phillies slugger Ryan Howard met with the team.
"We just really had a lot of fun. The only advice I gave them is, 'Go out and have fun. Yeah you guys lost the other day but you should be proud of where you are and you are not finished,'" said Howard.
Mayor Michael Nutter hosted watch parties/pep rallies for each of Taney's four Little League World Series games.
Family members of pitcher Mo'ne Davis and other Taney fans were disappointed the team's LLWS run came to an end but were immensely proud of how far the team progressed.
"I'm proud of her. She's disappointed like us but I'm proud of her. She did good job. They all did a good job as a team," said Jahmer Sanders.
"It was a close game. I'm sad they didn't win but they did good," said Cierra Sanders.
After their game against Chicago, he tweeted (@Michael_Nutter) "I am PROUD of the Taney Dragons, they are the Champs of Phila AND Pa!! Please cheer our children and this team, very special group of kids!
We will recognize the great accomplishments of the Taney Dragons, we have to work out arrangements with the team and their parents. Go Taney"
