GULF SHORES, ALA. — The River Parishes Cubs, a conglomeration of 11-year-old players from St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes, won the USSSA Global World Series title this summer, taking a 3-2 extra innings win over the Young Gunz of Alabama.

“The kids were so excited to have won it,” Coach Robbie Gilbert said. “They actually dogpiled on top of me.”

The game ended in dramatic fashion after a 2-2 tie sent the action to extra innings.

In the final inning, Donovan Friloux and Kason Gilbert singled. After a passed ball advanced the runners, Alabama intentionally walked Sammy Dimoneaux to load the bases. The pitcher was called for a balk, which allowed the Cubs to score the winning run.

Gilbert said his only disappointment was the team didn’t win it in regulation.

“They brought in this guy who was just slinging it,” Gilbert said. “I mean he threw really hard.”

Ryan Laiche, the lone player from St. John, came up to bat in the sixth inning and drew a walk before Alabama changed pitchers. He said he was thrilled with the win and with the opportunity to be a part of the Cubs.

“It’s a privilege because you know you have to work hard to be on this team,” he said.

“Everybody had to work for it. It’s like a big family.”

Gilbert, a longtime baseball fan, put together the travel team eight years ago as part of his mission to do God’s work through baseball. The team travels the country competing but also comes together in prayer and service.

Next summer the team will compete as 12-year-olds in  Cooperstown, N.Y.

“I can’t wait,” Laiche said. “I’m ready to go.”