New York Beats Iowa In First Little League World Series Game

NEW YORK, NY — The little league team from Staten Island toughed out a win Thursday against a team from Des Moines, Iowa, in their first game since advancing to the Little league World Series. The New York team — representing the United States' Mid-Atlantic region — won by a score of 5-2.

Staten Island scored five runs on just five hits, but were helped by solid pitching performances and Iowa's struggles in the field. The Iowa team committed three errors on the day and tallied just four hits. New York will advance in the tournament to play the winner of Friday's game between the Southwest and New England regional champs. A team from Houston, Texas is representing the Southwest and a team from Coventry, Rhode Island is representing New England.

Staten Island's starting pitcher Gregory Bruno struck out seven batters in two-and-two-thirds innings after throwing a perfect game in the finals of the regional round.

Thursday's win marked five victories in a row for Staten Island, which went undefeated in the Mid-Atlantic region. Steven Martinez, Derek Mendez and Logan Castellano appeared in relief for Staten Island.

All of the Little League World Series games are played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. New Yorkers who can't make it to Pennsylvania still have plenty options to watch the games or follow along.

Viewers can stream the game live on the Watch Espn mobile app or through the network's online streaming website. A valid cable subscription with ESPN included is needed to view the live stream. Those without cable can follow the action in real time on Gamechanger.

Check out New York's roster below:

New York

• #2 Jayson Hannah
• #3 Chris Cancel
• #4 Logan Castellano
• #5 John Calabrese
• #10 Robert Cavalieri
• #12 Chris Bedford
• #13 Gregory Bruno
• #14 Frank Scerra
• #17 Thomas Puglisi
• #19 Derek Mendez
• #24 Steven Martinez

Photo courtesy of Little League Baseball and Softball / Graphic by Kristin Borden