Beyond the main tournament action, three marquee events are also on the schedule: the MLB Little League Classic between the Mets and Mariners on Aug. 17, the Little League Home Run Derby on Aug. 21, and the Challenger Exhibition on Aug. 23, all taking place at Volunteer Stadium and Historic Bowman Field.

The road to Williamsport was filled with more drama than usual for a couple Little League World Series participants this year, including a Venezuelan team that needed visa exemptions to make the trip and an American club that narrowly knocked off a defending champ.

Braintree’s team has been a formidable force this summer, remaining undefeated and not allowing a single run in the regional tournament.