Taiwan’s Lai Cheng-Xi delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, striking out 12 batters and allowing only three hits as the Asia-Pacific representative defeated Venezuela 4-1 to secure a spot in the Little League World Series championship. Despite only managing three hits themselves, Taiwan capitalized on eight walks and scored twice on wild pitches. They will now await the winner between Florida and Texas in the title game on Sunday. This marks Taiwan’s 32nd LLWS appearance, with the opportunity to claim their first championship since 1996 and add to their impressive tally of 17 tournament titles, the most by any international team.
Kuei-Shan Little League from Taoyuan, Taiwan, led by Manager Lee Cheng-Ta, returned to South Williamsport after finishing third in the 2023 tournament, but with an entirely new roster. The pivotal moment in the game against Venezuela came in the top of the third inning when Yu Chia-Jai drew a walk with the bases loaded, allowing Chen Bo-Wei to score, extending Taiwan’s lead to 2-0. With Lai’s dominant pitching, Taiwan maintained control as Venezuela struggled to find consistency in the strike zone.
Taiwan’s early lead was established when Chiu Wei-Che capitalized on a wild pitch in the first inning, sliding home safely. While Venezuela showed signs of threat, with a leadoff single by Luis in the first inning, their attempts were thwarted by Lai’s strong pitching, striking out the next two batters to end the inning. In the fifth inning, Taiwan added another run after a collision in center field allowed Chen to score.
Venezuela made a late push in the sixth inning, with runners on second and third, but ultimately fell short as Taiwan’s relief pitcher, Chiu, closed out the game with a groundout. This victory propels Taiwan into the championship game as they aim to clinch another LLWS title.
