Westport’s pitcher Chad Knight, with his shoulder wrapped in ice, used a Gatoraide paper cup today to collect a souvenir cup of dirt from Lamade Field at the end of the World Series U. S. final. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

The Westport Little League team tips their hats to supporters in the stands today after losing to Chula Vista, Calif. 12=1 in the Little League World Series U.S. final in South Williamsport, Pa. Westport will face Mexico in a consolation game at 11 a.m. Sunday to determine third place in the series.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

Westport’s Max Popken slides safely into home in the bottom of the first inning today against Chula Vista, Calif. to make the game 3-1. However, hitter Harrry Azadian was called out at third to end the inning. As it turned out, it was Westport’s only run of the game as it lost 12-1 in the Little League World Series U.S. final. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

Scenes from today’s Litttle League World Series U.S. final. Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

Jonathan Solis of Norwalk, manager of a Dunkin’ Donuts store in Westport, reacts to Westport’s loss today while watching the game at the Black Duck. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

The Westport Little League dream ride toward a Little League World championship came to an end today with a 12-1 loss to Chula Vista, Calif. in the U.S. final.

Westport, which going into today’s game was No. 2 in the nation, will play a consolation game Sunday against Mexico to determine third place in the World Series. The 11 a.m. game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Japan beat Mexico, 3-2 earlier today to win the international title. Japan and Chula Vista will play for the world title on Sunday at 3 p.m. in a game to be broadcast by ABC.

Chula Vista handed Westport its first defeat of the season on Wednesday by a score of 6-3.