O's throw support behind U.S. LLWS team

ARLINGTON -- A good portion of the Orioles' clubhouse was captivated on Saturday afternoon as they watched Red Land Little League of Lewisberry, Pa. -- about 70 miles north of Camden Yards -- complete a 3-2 victory over Texas to advance to the Little League World Series championship.

Baltimore has been eagerly following the York County club, sending the players messages of encouragement throughout their playoff run. Manager Buck Showalter and third baseman Manny Machado spoke with the team on Friday.

"They wanted to talk to Manny. They know who Manny is. He said, 'Bring the 'ship home' I said, 'That's pretty good.' I [thought it meant] 'bring the ship to dock,'" Showalter said. "But I guess that's cool for 'bring the championship.' It's slang."

To do that, Red Land will have to beat undefeated Japan in Sunday's championship game.

"I think a lot of it has to do with it being nearby," Showalter said of his players being so captivated by the Little League games. "I think they are coming to the ballpark [in Baltimore], think we've got that set up. [Red Land has] got their work cut out for them now."

Watching Red Land's walk-off win reminded Showalter of his Little League days.

"That was kind of cool. We were one or two games away from being there when I was 12," he said. "Remember it like it was yesterday."