SAN DIEGO — Scripps Ranch is moving on to the next round of the Little League Intermediate World Series!
The team, which represents the West region, beat the Southeast team 12-9 in their first game of the series.
This is the first time since 2018 Scripps Ranch has made it to the Little League World Series.
As the team battled it out in Livermore, fans packed into Junction Bar and Grill in Scripps Ranch for a watch party.
"I'm excited for them, because they've earned this. They've really worked hard. Coaches are amazing,” said the team’s former coach, David Perkins.
People at Monday’s watch party say to see boys they've watched grow up make it this far is exciting.
"It's awesome, is what it's like, watching them grow from, you know, t-ball, all the way up to be competing for, for the Little League World Series. It's a big deal for all of us," said Scripps Ranch Little League board member, Kimberly Balastrieri.
In total, there are six intermediate teams representing the United States.
It's a double elimination tournament.
The winner will go on to play an international team for the championship game, scheduled for Sunday, August 4.
"It's a great thing for our league. It's a great thing for the players. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's not new for our league, necessarily, but it's still a really great accomplishment, a big deal for our league," said league president, Ron Madrid.
Win or lose, supporters say the kids who make up the team make the entire area proud, and they'll be celebrated for their accomplishments when they come home.
And who knows - you may see some of them in the future playing in the Major Leagues.
“You see former Major League players who used to play in the Little League World Series. And that's the dream, and that's what we hope for these children as well,” said Madrid.
"We are just so so proud of them, over the moon, happy. So, win or lose, we're just so excited for them," said Balastrieri.
Junction Bar and Grill will hold another watch party for game two – which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Their opponent hasn’t been decided.
A portion of the proceeds from sales that night will benefit the league. The league also has a Go Fund Me page to help with expenses for the team.