Smithfield's Little League team is in the national spotlight; here's what you need to know

On Wednesday afternoon, Smithfield, the Rhode Island champions, will be on the national stage when it faces Nevada in the first round of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Smithfield won the Metro Region title after dropping its first game to Massapequa, N.Y., 10-1, but then didn't lose again in the Bristol, Connecticut, tournament.

More: Follow Wednesday's game LIVE at the Little League World Series

The Rhode Islanders beat Connecticut and New Jersey to earn a rematch with then-undefeated New York. On Friday night, the outcome was very different than their first meeting, as Smithfield cruised to a decisive 7-1 victory to earn a berth in the Little League World Series.

The team arrived in Pennsylvania over the weekend and took part in some of the pre-tournament festivities on Monday before hitting the practice field on Tuesday. Here's what you need to know about Smithfield's entry into this year's Little League World Series:

More: How did Smithfield Little League battle back from their opening loss? Having fun was key

How can I watch the Smithfield Little League game and what time do they play?

Smithfield, the Metro Region champion, will take on Nevada, the Mountain Region champion, on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

A win means the Rhode Islanders will remain in the "winners bracket" and advance to play Southeast champion Tennessee on Friday (3 p.m.). A loss means it will drop to the "elimination bracket" and will play on Saturday (6 p.m.) against the loser of the California-Ohio game. Teams are eliminated after two losses.

Has Rhode Island ever won the Little League World Series?

While many Rhode Island teams have qualified for the Little League Baseball World Series, the most successful Little League team from the Ocean State was the 1996 Cranston Western team, which finished runner-up on the world stage. That Rhode Island team beat Florida in the semifinal before losing to Taiwan for the World Series championship.

Home Run: Here are the 5 best Rhode Island Little League teams of all time

Memories: Cranston Western's 1996 team still basking in glow of Little League World Series memories

How many times has a team from RI made it to the World Series and when?

Smithfield is the 12th team from Rhode Island to reach the Little League World Series. The others were: 1950, Westerly; 1980, Darlington American (Pawtucket); 1996, Cranston Western; 2001, Lincoln; 2004, Lincoln; 2011, Cumberland American; 2014, Cumberland American; 2015, Cranston Western; 2016, Warwick North; 2018, Coventry; 2019, Barrington.

What teams are in the 2023 Little League World Series?

The Little League World Series is divided into two groups: the U.S. teams and International teams. Each division consists of 10 teams. The U.S. teams are Great Lakes (New Albany, Ohio), Mid-Atlantic (Media, Pa.), Metro (Smithfield), Midwest (Fargo, ND), Mountain (Henderson, Nev.), New England (Gray, Maine), Northwest (Seattle, Wash.), Southeast (Nolensville, Tenn.), Southwest (Needville, Texas) and West (El Segundo, Calif.). The International teams include Asia-Pacific, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Cuba, Europe-Africa, Japan, Latin America, Mexico and Panama. Each division will crown a champion, and those two champions will play for the Little League World Series championship on Aug. 27.

How can I support the Smithfield team?

A fundraiser was held Monday to help the team defray the costs of the trip to Williamsport, Pa. Several local lawmakers have pledged money to help, and a fundraising page has also been set up through PayPal. A Facebook page says the goal is to raise $36,000 for the team's expenses, and the contact person for the fundraising is Shanyn Turner at (401) 301-5640 or smithfieldsponsorship@gmail.com.

Read more about Smithfield's historic Little League championship run:

• Smithfield team celebrates at Little League World Series Picnic and Grand Slam Parade

• Lawmakers pledge money; fundraiser set for Smithfield Little League's trip to World Series

• How did Smithfield Little League battle back from their opening loss? Having fun was key

• Smithfield beats New York, 7-1, and will head to the Little League World Series

• Here are the 5 best Rhode Island Little League teams of all time

• Rhode Island Little League team defeats NJ — now one win away from reaching LL World Series

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Smithfield 2023 Little League World Series: How to watch, what to know