Championship Night in Pennsylvania
East Side captured the Pennsylvania Little League Major Division State Championship on August 5, 2026, edging Blue Mountain 12‑8 in a game that swung on a decisive grand slam.
The turning point arrived in the top of the sixth inning when Jack Cassidy stepped up and launched a grand slam, pushing East Side ahead 12‑8 and sealing the victory.
Blue Mountain had appeared headed for defeat, having fallen eight runs behind in the fourth inning, but a rally ignited by Ben Ciccone’s grand slam in the bottom of the fourth cut the margin to 7‑4 and set the stage for a comeback.
Coach Cory Porrino praised his squad’s character, noting the team’s heart and perseverance despite the early deficit.
The win sends East Side to the Mid‑Atlantic Regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, scheduled for August 8‑14, where they will face teams from the broader region.