Thrilling finish between Venezuela and Japan in Little League World Series, a breakdown

Aug 23, 2024 152.9K views 4:45
MLB 2024

What Happened

Venezuela and Japan are facing off in the International Championship game of the Little League World Series, with Venezuela leading by one run in the bottom of the sixth and final inning. Kengo Akiyama of Japan steps up to the plate, with the tying run on base. The first two pitches from the Venezuelan pitcher are high and inside, causing some concern from the catcher, who tells the pitcher to "calm down." On the third pitch, Akiyama yanks the ball, hitting it off the helmet of the Venezuelan pitcher. This is an uncommon occurrence, but the helmets are designed to protect the players. The tying run is now on base for Japan. The Japanese batters attempt to distract the Venezuelan pitcher with fake bunts, but Venezuela is unfazed, getting the first out on a ground ball to shortstop. The shortstop falls awkwardly while trying to turn a double play, but the Japanese player checks on him and they exchange a thumbs up, demonstrating the sportsmanship and camaraderie of Little League baseball. With one out and a runner on base, the next Japanese batter hits a high fly ball that the Venezuelan catcher drops, allowing the tying run to advance to second base. The catcher composes himself, and the batter steps back into the box, determined not to be fooled by any more tricks. The next at-bat is a tense battle, with the pitcher and catcher working together to try to get the crucial second out. The Japanese batter fouls off several pitches, keeping the at-bat alive. Finally, on a 3-2 count, the umpire rules that the batter did not swing, much to the delight of the Japanese dugout. With two runners on and one out, the next Japanese batter steps up, his knee hanging over the plate as he crowds the zone. The pitcher misses with a pitch, allowing the go-ahead run to move to third base. The next batter swings through a pitch, bringing the Venezuela team within one out of the championship. The final Japanese batter hits a fly ball to right field, and the Venezuelan outfielder makes a perfect throw to the plate, gunning down the tying run and preserving the Venezuelan lead. The Venezuela dugout erupts in celebration, while the Japanese players demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship, congratulating their opponents on the hard-fought victory.

Full Transcript

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Venezuela is up one run against Japan

bottom of the sixth inning which is the

last inning in the International

Championship Game this ending action

packed first batters up first pitch up