This happens at the regional championships for the BLWS, in this case: Michigan.
The host team doesn't play in the qualifiers, because they are the host, and the umpires are clearly favoring them.
Case in point: MI kid slides into 2B to break up a play (stolen base attempt) and takes out the SS. SS lands on top of the runner, runner shoves him off. Umpire warns the SS.
Next play, pick-off attempt at 2B ... runner gets tagged in the face. Runner gets up and takes a swing at the SS, SS is immediately ejected for "tagging too hard" and coach is sent to join him moments later for asking for some clarification.
Coach and SS are in street clothes for the next game, IL loses and is sent home.
Is that the reason IL lost? No, they lost because they had too many powerhitters in their lineup and couldn't play small ball.
But ... to say that this favoritism doesn't exist is also naive.
I have also seen umpires at showcases tell the kids ahead of time: hey, we have to keep the game moving. That means - swing your bat, be careful trying to steal bases, and don't hold up the game.