The Santa Monica East Little League 11 and 10-year-old all-stars won the California District 25 championship last week by defeating Culver City National, which had prevailed in recent years.
A grand slam home run by Lucas Giolioto gave Santa Monica a 6-2 win over Culver City in the tournament’s championship game. It was Santa Monica’s first district championship since 2000.
The tournament was the first of four a team must win to reach the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Santa Monica then began play in the sectional tournament at Perry Park in Redondo Beach which is a double elimination event comprised of five district winners. Santa Monica won its opening game from Ladera Heights, 9-3.
The Santa Monica roster includes: Oscar Carrasco, Kevin Carswell, Max Fanali, Rick Herrara, JD Locy, Trent Nelson, Max Robinson, Ben Roebuck, Ben Rotberg, Matthew Schultz, Lorenzo Whiting, Rudy Wilson.
Matt Steinhaus is the manager. The coaches are Sergio Carrasco, Steve Wilson, Jeff Whiting and John Carswell.
