Cubs defeat Pirates in Classic Little League

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – It took a trip in their childhood, a trip back in time when the games ended with ice cream, whether the result was a victory or a defeat. It took a trip to Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series, so the Cubs could

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – It took a trip in their childhood, a trip back in time when the games ended with ice cream, whether the result was a victory or a defeat. It took a trip to Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series, for the Cubs to forget about their road problems and play like kids.

• The score of the box

Maybe Sunday night's 7-1 win against the Pirates at Bowman Field will be a day of celebration of baseball in pure form. Given the magnitude of Chicago's troubles away from Wrigley Field, this trip to an old baseball stadium without a second deck and a crowd filled with big league dreams was a welcome detour.

Anthony Rizzo dominated the scoreboard in the left center – one of three circuits for the Cubs in the match – and then asked Yu Darvidsh to deliver the ball to one of Japan's Little Leaguers. . Jose Quintana played seven green sleeves with "Cubbies" on his chest. Javier Baez punched the children in the first row, then at the height of his nickname "El Mago" with a brilliant defense and a few shots.

.@ ARizzo44 give his ball home at the Japan court-stop @Little league the team is so great. ? #LittleLeagueClassic pic.twitter.com/wPdqC2RAvx

– MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2019

When the last throw was made, the Cubs had their first win of the season against a National League opponent, and their first win out of the country since May 17-19. Chicago scored 0-10-2 in its dozen road trips, limiting any progress in the Cubs' quest to conquer a division crown.

Now, the Cubs will return to Chicago, where they will have a busy Monday to focus on the experiences gained during their stay in this quaint town that steals the spotlight at baseball 10 days a year.