Eastlake blues fill tavern

East Lake Tavern & Bowl turned into East Lake Tavern and Blue with parents, coaches, friends and community members donning the Eastlake Little League’s team colors at Friday afternoon viewing party.

About 55 fans showed up to scream at the top of their lungs every time East Lake Little League 12 under All-Stars scored a run on its way to a 12-0 routing of Nevada.

Gary Fessia, a coach in East Lake Little League and a parent said watching the game at East Lake Tavern & Bowl doesn’t compare to watching at home.

“I’ve only missed one game, but I been to every game here just having a good time yelling with the crowd,” Fessia said. “It is just fun. It is fun being with more people.”

Fans ordered pizza, nachos and beer, but their hunger left them wanting another helping of hooting and hollering.

Not every fan at the restaurant was a die-hard fan.

Eastlake resident Fernando Magana jumped on the bandwagon, and is rooting for the team in the community in which he lives.

“The community is happy, they embrace the team,” he said.

Magana played Little League as a child, but admits this is the first time he’s actually watched a Little League game.

The restaurant is the official place to watch East Lake’s 12-under All-Stars.

“The parents of the team asked us to be the official viewing place, and we were more than happy to do it,” said East Lake Tavern & Bowl’s manager Jase Adamos.

Adamos said throughout the tournament the restaurant has been packed, and he expects it to be fuller tomorrow for the regional championship game.

When fans needed an answer to a question about the team they turned to Jem Mora. Her son Nick is on the team and she carried an oversized photo of her son. Wherever she went, Nick went.

Mora said it is awesome to share this experience with her son, but she said no matter the outcome he needs to not be big headed.

“I told him ‘Son I know you will do well’ but I need you to make sure what happens, when or lose you stay humble,” she said. “It’s all about sportsmanship.”