Manager Tim Rogers embraces his team member Alex Reiner the closing pitcher for Westport as he saved the win today for the New England champions against Northwest champion Sammasmish, Wash.in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Reiner on the mound with two out and the full count and two men on base threw a strike to clinch the 9-7 win. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

Supporters at the Bladk Duck Cafe in Westport cheer Westport’s 9-7 victory today in the Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pa. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

UPDATE Westport advanced in the Little League World Series today with a hard fought 9-7 win against Sammamish, Wash. at Williamsport, Pa.

Westport, now 2-0, next plays Wednesday at 8 p.m. against West champion Chula Vista, Calif. which beat the Mid-Atlantic winner Newark, Del. 15-3 today.

Westport jumped out to an early lead of 7-1 but Sammamish managed to close the gap by scoring two runs in the fourth and four in the fifth after their starting pitcher, Jackob Dahlstorm, was knocked out by a comebacker to his leg.

Westport’s Max Popken shrugged off a ball to his helmet but then got nicked by a grounder to his leg while on first. Westport’s closer, he did not come back into the game, and Alex Reiner continued.

The faces of Westport supporters at the Black Duck Cafe today show the intense atmosphere as Westport gave up seven runs going into the sixth inning in their game against Sammamish, Wash. after leading 9-0 early in the Little League World Series. Westport led 9-7 in the bottom of the sixth. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

Former Yankees manager Joe Torre passes through the dugout of the Westport Little League 2013 team today at Williamsport, Pa. after an award ceremony. Torre received the 2013 William A. “Bill” Shea Little League Graduate of the Year Award. Torre is now Major League Baseball’s executive vice president of baseball operations. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

Westport gets ready to take the field in Williamsport, Pa. today in this image from the ABC broadcast. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo from ABC

The Westport Little League team warms up before today’s game in Williamsport, Pa.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com

Westport family, friends, and supporters of their Little League Team enter the stadium today in Williamsport, Pa. for the 2 p.m. contest against Northwest regional champion Sammamish, Wash. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Douglas Healey for WestportNow.com