Honolulu secures placement in the Little League World Series following victory over Fullerton Golden Hill
In the thrilling world of Little League baseball, the Honolulu team is making headlines as they prepare for the 2023 Little League World Series. Having already secured a spot in the tournament with a 4-1 win over Fullerton Golden Hill in San Bernardino on Thursday night, the team is eyeing a historic third championship.
The game against Golden Hill was a close one, with Honolulu earning their victory through strategic plays and impressive performances from key players. Bronson Fermahin, the Honolulu pitcher, demonstrated his prowess with 11 strikeouts in 5 2⁄3 innings. Mason Mitani, the team's catcher, showcased his agility with a crucial catch of a broken-bat line drive to secure the final out.
In the offensive lineup, Kuana Payanal hit an RBI double in the second inning, and Evan Crawford notched an RBI single in the first. Mason Mitani also contributed with a home run in the fifth, adding to Honolulu's score.
Unfortunately, Golden Hill's Gavin Janicke, a standout player with four hits in eight at-bats, was ineligible to pitch on Thursday. Despite this, Golden Hill managed to push across a run with two outs in the sixth inning. Lincoln Ploog, Golden Hill's pitcher, showed resilience with 10 strikeouts in 4 1⁄3 innings, despite hitting three batters in the first inning.
The Honolulu team's journey to the World Series final is noteworthy, as it marks the first time in the league's 69-year history that a team has advanced from Golden Hill. This achievement is a testament to the team's determination and skill.
The Honolulu team, led by players such as Kobe Lumford, Dayten Ordenstein, Josh Tanaka, Logan Brokaw, Shane Bunag, Evan Crawford, Bentley Itagaki, Kealii Maunakea-Kalahiki, Bronson Fermahin, Kuana Payanal, Hulili Kauahikaua, Mason Mitani, Willis Kato, Keith Oda, and Gerald Oda, will be aiming to add a third World Series title to their trophy cabinet when the Series begins on Wednesday in Williamsport, Pa.
While no current information indicates that any of these players are already two-time world champions, their roster status in 2025 makes them potential candidates for such an achievement. The team's previous wins in 2018 and 2022 serve as a testament to their skills and determination, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see if they can claim the title once more.
[1] The roster information is sourced from the official West Region 2025 Little League World Series team listing.
After securing a spot in the 2023 Little League World Series, the Honolulu team, hailing from California, will be vying for a historic third championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This journey is significant as it marks the first time in the league's history that a team has advanced from Los Angeles, highlighting their exceptional play in sports.
