Gov. Quinn congratulates Jackie Robinson West

CHICAGO -- The Jackie Robinson West little league all-stars trailed Indiana by one run in the 5th inning when Cameron Buford turned the tide with a grand-slam homer. They won 12 to 7 and will represent Illinois at the Little League World Series for the first time in more than a generation.

Governor Quinn issued a statement congratulating the team, saying, "Like Jackie Robinson, they didn't hang up their cleats in the face of adversity. Now this year for the first time since 1983, they will get to compete in the Little League World Series.

"This group of young ballplayers and their coaches have made all of Illinois proud. I wish them the best of luck as they represent our state on the worldwide stage."

The team is the first to represent Chicago in the Little League World Series since 1983, although three suburban teams have made it to the series since then, including Norridge in 1986, South Holland in 1992 and Lemont in 2006.