SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Josh Larson and Michael Siemer combined for three scoreless innings of relief to help Johnston, Iowa beat Chula Vista, California 5-1 on Friday in the Little League World Series.
California lost its first opening-round game in the LLWS since 2002.
Siemer doubled off the wall in the third inning to score JT Garcia from first to tie it at 1-1. Iowa loaded the bases in the fourth and scored on a fielder's choice and an errant throw for a 3-1 lead.
Garcia led off the top of the fifth with a solo home run to center field and Cade Godwin scored on a wild pitch to make it 5-1.
Iowa starter Jack Emanuel left after three innings with an apparent injury to his throwing arm. He threw 43 pitches and gave up an earned run on a sacrifice fly.
Daniel Leon threw 88 pitches in 4 2/3 innings for California and struck out seven.
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