RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Iker Castaneda starts out on the mound for Mexico during the International game against Japan at the Little League World Series on Tuesday. Japan won 6-0.

There was disappointment after Tuesday’s game from fans and players of the El Swing Perfecto Little league team from Chihuahua, Mexico.

The Mexico team had a tough run at the Little League World Series. Mexico fell to Chinese Taipei on the second day of the tournament, 3-0, and from there had to win two games in two days in the elimination bracket.

Mexico used five home runs, including a grand slam, to eliminate Puerto Rico on Saturday, 11-5, before bouncing earning a 2-1 thrilling win over Panama on Sunday.

Navigating the elimination bracket is far from an easy task, and unfortunately for Mexico, the run came to a close on Tuesday with a 6-0 loss to a strong Japan team.

But sitting alongside an interpreter at the post-game press conference, Mexico manager Esteban Gallardo wasn’t mad his team didn’t make a run. He wasn’t upset they didn’t win.

He had everything in perspective. This is the Little League World Series, and you’re among the best in the world.

“It’s a privilege to be here. We’re happy, but not satisfied with our actions. We didn’t perform as we expected, but we have strength to work harder and do better next year,” Gallardo said.

“It’s a magical tournament and I’m happy with the team that they worked hard,” Gallardo added. “We need to emphasize that they are kids and they are coming here to do their best.”

That’s the spirit of Little League at the World Series. Yes, everyone is playing to be named the best team in the world, run around the field at Lamade Stadium holding the Little League World Series championship and touch the bust of Howard J. Lamade after the final game. But the journey to get to South Williamsport is impressive in itself for all 20 teams that find themselves here.

“A lot of people are happy (back home) with the work that we did,” Gallardo said. “My mind is focused on work and trying to come back here and have better results because the majority of the goal is already established. (Getting here) is not an exception.”

Losing can teach lessons in life at the youth sports level. And losing at the World Series is no exception. It stings for the players from Mexico, but no doubt they’re looking at the positives to take away from it.

Gallardo sure did.

“Everyone can go and think about what they did so they can see the opportunities and continue working to be a better player and a better person,” Gallardo summed up.