Florida Defeats Texas for U.S. Title, Set to Face Taiwan in LLWS Final

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Texas appeared to be in complete command as they faced off against Florida in the U.S. bracket title game at the Little League World Series. Leading 4-0 in the third inning, Texas starting pitcher Julian Hurst was impressively holding Florida hitless and had previously defeated them just last week.

However, things took a dramatic turn. After three lead changes, Florida emerged victorious, earning their place in the LLWS championship scheduled for Sunday. Luis Calo delivered a crucial two-run double in the sixth inning, which propelled Lake Mary, Florida, to a 10-7 victory over Boerne, Texas, in a thrilling semifinal matchup.

“We’ve prepared for this, we’ve worked for this,” said Florida manager Jonathan Anderson. “It’s been our summer.”

As the Southeast region champions, Florida will compete against Taiwan, who secured their spot by defeating Venezuela 4-1. This marks the first time a Florida team has reached the title game since 2003, when East Boynton Beach faced off against Musashi-Fuchi of Japan, losing 10-1.

Initially, Texas seemed to be the stronger team. Doc Mogford set the tone by hitting a two-run double, extending the lead to 4-0 and giving Texas the upper hand.

Florida displayed resilience, beginning their fight back in the fourth inning. James Feliciano scored an important RBI single from a pop-up that fell, paving the way for a comeback. The momentum shifted dramatically when Teraj Alexander expertly stole home, concluding a four-run rally and granting Florida a brief lead at 5-4.

“I saw the catcher was looking into the hill,” Teraj explained. “I just started creeping. Then once I thought I had it, like 100%, I just took off.”

As the game progressed, Texas wasn’t finished yet and reclaimed the lead with a rally of their own, scoring three runs. Heading into their final at-bat in the sixth inning, Florida found themselves trailing 7-5.

However, Florida was not to be deterred. Jacob Bibaud hit a ground ball that slipped through Texas’s infield, allowing James Feliciano to score, narrowing the gap to 7-6. A sacrifice fly from Liam Morrisey brought in Garrett Rohozen, tying the game at 7-7.

It was Luis Calo, however, who would be the hero of the day. His critical hit put Florida ahead, and Liam, who was running as a courtesy, stole third base and sprinted home after an error by Texas left the ball rolling down the third-base line.

“I know I pushed them hard, and I know I told them that work would get them to the promised land. And I’m sure they didn’t believe me,” Anderson reflected. “But here we are, boys, here we are. Job’s not done. We got one more. But boy, are we close.”