On Sunday August 26th, Hawaii claimed a Little League World Series title against South Korea. This is the first time that Hawaii has won the Little League World Series title since 2008. The victory also makes Hawaii one of seven U.S. states with three LLWS titles. Hawaii pitcher Ka’olu Holt pitched a complete game 2 hit 8 strikeout shutout against South Korea and got his first complete game.

Throughout the tournament, Hawaii had shutout four of its five opponents and struck out 53 batters in 34 innings. South Korea had not surrendered a home run all tournament long, but surrendered one to Mana Lou Kong of Hawaii, which turned out to be the winning run of the game. Hawaii got extra insurance runs in the third when South Korean pitcher Kim Yeong-hyeon threw a wild pitch which allowed Hawaii to score two extra runs. With Hawaii’s shutout victory, it marks the first time a title game ended in a shutout since 2002.

Hawaii also has some famous fans who gave their congratulations through tweets including former President Barack Obama and retired baseball player and World Series Champion Shane Victorino.

Hawaii won more than just a title, they won hope for the people of Hawaii. The Hawaiian people are now stuck in the midst of Hurricane Lane after just being rocked by the Kilauea Volcano eruption. Talking about the hurricane, Hawaii Coach Gerald Oda said, “We said that if anything, for them to watch us, we can give them hope. They can take their mind off — and that’s what we hope it did.” The LLWS Champions now head back home in high spirits after winning a title and giving the Hawaiian people hope.