Port Washington Little League is poised to claim the New York state championship after reaching the final game for the first time since last year’s semifinal exit. The Nassau County team advanced following a 6-1 victory against Twin Town in the semifinals, propelled by a decisive five-run third inning.

The state final, scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. in West Nyack, will feature a matchup between Port Washington and Mid-Island Little League, representing Staten Island. Both teams hold a 2-1 record in the tournament, with Port Washington having conceded 10 runs and Mid-Island nine.

Mid-Island secured their spot in the final with a commanding 11-1 win over Florida, New York, concluding their semifinal clash in five innings. The winner of Friday’s championship will move on to compete in the Little League World Series regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, where they will face leading teams from New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. These games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN.

Advancing from the regional tournament would grant the victorious New York representative a berth in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Port Washington manager David Gabriel emphasized the balanced effort fueling the team’s success. “It’s a true team,” he said. “Every kid is contributing to where we are today. It’s really just something special.” Reflecting on the upcoming contest, Gabriel noted the strength of the opposition, stating, “We’re playing up against a really good Staten Island team. We’re going to have to play our best baseball.”

As both teams prepare for Friday’s final, the stakes remain high with a chance to advance closer to the national stage, marking a significant milestone for Port Washington after last year’s narrow elimination.