Two homers in 8th send Pearland to U.S. final

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Pearland hit a pair of homers in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday night for a 9-7 victory over Bonita, California, and a berth in the U.S. championship game at the Little League World Series.

After Bonita pulled ahead 7-6 in the top of the second extra inning, starting pitcher Ben Gottfried hit a tying solo shot and Caleb Low ended it with a two-run homer.

Pearland will play undefeated Lewisberry, Pennsylvania — the closest thing to a home team — for the U.S. championship Saturday. The winner will face the International bracket champion on Sunday for the World Series title.

Lewisberry beat Pearland 3-0 on Wednesday night to earn a berth in the title game.

Zack Mack had a grand slam and an RBI single for Pearland, which hit four homers in all.

SportsPlus