Dragons making big run in Little League tournament

CONGRATS TO the Taney Dragons, the Center City youth baseball team that is headed to the regional tournament of the Little League World Series.

The Dragons won the state title, 6-4 over Collier Township of Allegheny County on Sunday. The victory propelled them into the Mid-Atlantic regional round, where they'll meet West Salisbury (Md.) in Bristol, Conn., on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Taney, which started Mo'ne Davis on the mound Sunday - yes, she's a girl! - trailed 4-0 before Jared Sprague-Lott belted a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Two innings later, teammate Zion Spearman added a three-run blast.

"I was sort of in a slump and it felt good to get the team excited again, to get the momentum on our side," said Sprague-Lott, who is 12 and attends Masterman Middle School. "My goal [at the beginning of the season] was to win districts. Everything else past that is icing on the cake."

As for the next round?

"I'm feeling very confident," said Sprague-Lott. "I can't wait for the experience."

Head coach Alex Rice, whose assistant is Jared's father Leland, said that no Philadelphia team has ever won the state title let alone advanced to the regional round.

"I couldn't be more thrilled for these kids," said Rice. "I've known Jared since he was 3 weeks old. All of these kids are great. I couldn't be happier."

If Taney wins its region, it will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport.

Go Dragons!

We already knew Drew Brees could toss touchdown passes. Turns out he's pretty good at throwing out one-liners, too.

"On Friday I said I thought I could play til age 45," Brees tweeted. "I have been 'randomly' selected for drug tests the last 2 days. What's up with that! Lol."