Getting to Williamsport wasn’t easy for Venezuela’s Cardenales Little League, but once they stepped on the field, they made it look effortless. On Wednesday, the boys from Barquisimeto shut out Puerto Rico 5-0, with Samuel Castillo’s clutch two-run double in the first inning setting the tone.

Their road here was impressive — winning all five regional games and outscoring opponents 46-6 — but the biggest challenge came off the diamond. Due to U.S. travel restrictions affecting Venezuela, the team initially had their visas denied. A last-minute exemption from the U.S. State Department, approved just days before the tournament, made their trip possible.

Parents couldn’t make the journey, but a few familiar faces cheered from the stands, including last year’s coaches and Venezuelan fans living nearby. “These are 12-year-olds that deserve to play their game,” said Maria Lewis, a Venezuelan living in Pennsylvania who comes out every year to support.

The team has been keeping in touch with loved ones back home through their phones — and they’re focused on the next challenge: facing Canada on Friday.

It was also a historic day for the tournament, as Australia’s Monica Arcuri became the 24th girl to play in the LLWS, part of a growing wave of female players, coaches, and umpires making their mark on the sport.