Lake Mary, Florida, wins Little League World Series, defeating Taiwan 2-1

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — In an exciting final at the Little League World Series, the team from Lake Mary, Florida, clinched the championship title by defeating Taiwan 2-1 in extra innings on Sunday. This thrilling victory came after Lathan Norton crossed the plate from second base due to an overthrow at first base.

The game saw Taiwan maintain a narrow 1-0 lead from the first inning until the final moments of regulation. Florida, representing the Southeast region, showcased their resilience despite facing challenges. They managed to outhit their opponents and had a runner on third base in three different innings, yet struggled to find a way to score until the sixth inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, Florida managed to get runners on first and second base with DeMarcos Mieses at the plate. Mieses, who had previously struck out twice, came through in a big way. He hit a ball into shallow left field, allowing Chase Anderson enough time to make it home, tying the game 1-1.

As the game moved into the eighth inning, the tension mounted. Lathan Norton started on second base, initiating the extra innings. Hunter Alexander then executed a perfectly timed bunt, but the throw to first base went awry, allowing Norton to advance further into scoring position.

In a key moment for Taiwan, they also started the game strong by drawing two walks right off the bat. Following a successful bunt that advanced the runners, Hu Yen-Chun managed to connect on a ball that deflected off James Feliciano at third base, allowing Chiu Wei-Che to cross the plate and score the first run of the game.

This championship marks a significant achievement for Florida, as it is their first title after nine appearances in the Little League World Series. The team demonstrated their determination throughout the tournament, having come from behind in their semifinal match against Texas, where they scored five runs in their final at-bat to win 10-7 just the day prior.

Historically, Taiwan has been a powerhouse in the Little League World Series since it first won the championship in 1969, ultimately claiming a total of 17 titles by 1996. However, the team has faced challenges in recent years. Before Sunday, they had made it to the title game only once since 2009, where they lost to California. The current Taiwanese team, representing the Kuei-Shan Little League from Taoyuan, was managed by Lee Cheng-Ta, who also led last year’s team to a third-place finish with an entirely different roster.

This match will go down in history, not only for the thrilling back-and-forth but also for the remarkable stories of both teams. Florida’s victory is a testament to their perseverance and skill, as they rose to the occasion when it mattered the most. Taiwan’s history and consistency in the Little League World Series remain noteworthy, underscoring the competitive spirit of youth baseball on an international stage.

The 2023 Little League World Series showcased the best of youth baseball, highlighting the talent and determination of young athletes from around the globe. Congratulations to Florida for their momentous win and to Taiwan for their commendable performance throughout the tournament.

Source: AP News