Early on in the Great Lakes Regional finals in Indianapolis, it didn't look good for New Castle, as the team fell behind 5 to 1 in the second inning, RTV6's Norman Cox reported.

But then New Castle brought on its best pitcher, Bryce Pinkard, who hadn't started because of mandatory Little League pitch counts, and he shut down Kentucky the rest of the way.

The boys clawed their way back, tying the game on a home run in the fifth and winning on a two-out, bases-loaded single in the sixth.

The boys' parents are pumped that their kids are headed to the finals in South Williamsport, Pa.

"I am so ecstatic right now," said player Bryce Huntley's mother, Shannon Huntley. "I have all the confidence in these boys. They are absolutely a wonderful group of kids. We have a wonderful group of parents. They are awesome."

Hunter McCubbins hit the tying homer.

"It was unreal. He's hit quite a few big bombs to keep us into it," said his father, Christopher McCubbins.

This has been a bittersweet year for Pinkard's family. Earlier this year, their home burned down, taking with it Bryce's baseball memorabilia.

"Considering he was the one who woke up to the fire, got us all out, they'd already said he was a hero," said his mom, Angie Smith. "I knew what he was capable of, but for him to get out there and do what he did is, I mean, beyond any words I can say."

The 66th Little League Baseball World Series, for 11-12 year olds, will be played in South Williamsport, Pa., on Aug. 16-26. Sixteen teams from around the world will vie for the coveted title of World Champion.