The Sweetwater Valley Little League team fell to their Texas opponents Sunday in their second game of the Little League World Series.
The double elimination game against Pearland West Little League from Texas began at 12 p.m. in Williamsport, PA. Texas jumped out to an early 6-0 lead on the back of Sweetwater’s five errors throughout the game.
By the end of the game, SVLL had closed the gap a little more, but still lost the game 8-4.
At a viewing party in Bonita at the team's home field, dozens of fans brought their chairs, blankets and coolers to cheer on their team on Conduit Street. The game was played on a 20-foot by 10-foot high-definition screen for viewers.
Fans at the viewing party were saddened by the loss.
“For me I'm crying because I know what they're feeling: disappointment and sadness, but they made us proud,” said Karla Poukkula through tears.
Fans at the watch party, like Eric Castillo, held their hands beneath their chin, saying a prayer.
“They've been very strong," Castillo said. “Watching them play like this is a little bit frustrating its like, come on!"
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Despite the slow start, fans were still hopeful the team's bats would heat up.
“It’s not over yet, said Alan Botterman during the game. “We have two more at bats and they're going to come back and do this. “
After Botterman and other fans started rocking their rally caps, Sweetwater went on a tear at the bottom of the 6th, smacking a three-run homer.
Though it wasn't enough to mount a comeback, the team of 12 and 13-year-olds have hit a homerun with the Bonita community.
“Yeah, it does inspire me and makes me want to play even more,” said Alex Izaguirre-Lopez.
Before the game started, Sycuan Casino donated $20,000 to the team to help with their Little League World Series travel costs.
The team will now head to an elimination game on Monday at 5 p.m. against New England.
