Taiwan’s Lai Cheng-Xi led his team to victory over Venezuela in the Little League World Series semifinal, striking out 12 batters and allowing just three hits. Despite managing only three hits themselves, Taiwan was able to score four runs thanks to eight walks and two wild pitches. This victory puts Taiwan in a position to potentially win the tournament for the first time since 1996, adding to their impressive record of 17 tournament titles, the most of any international team.
Kuei-Shan Little League from Taoyuan, Taiwan, under the leadership of manager Lee Cheng-Ta, reached the semifinal on the international side in 2023 but fell short, finishing in third place. With a new roster, the team has returned to South Williamsport and made it to the championship game, showcasing their strength and determination throughout the tournament. The team’s solid performance on both offense and defense has positioned them as a formidable contender for the title.
In a crucial moment during the game, Venezuela’s José Perez faced a bases-loaded situation in the third inning, resulting in a walk that allowed a run to score for Taiwan. With Lai dominating on the mound, Venezuela struggled to find consistency and control in their pitching, leading to costly wild pitches. These mistakes played a significant role in Taiwan’s ability to maintain the lead and ultimately secure the victory.
Taiwan’s early lead in the first inning, thanks to a wild pitch that allowed a runner to score, set the tone for the game. Despite a solid start for Venezuela with a leadoff single, Lai’s pitching prowess shut down any potential scoring opportunities for the Latin American team, showcasing Taiwan’s defensive strength. Taiwan’s ability to capitalize on key moments and maintain their lead throughout the game demonstrated their resilience and determination to secure a spot in the championship game.
In the fifth inning, Taiwan extended their lead with a run after a fielding error by Venezuela’s outfielders allowed a runner to advance and score. While Venezuela attempted to rally back in the sixth inning, with runners in scoring position, they were unable to overcome Taiwan’s solid pitching and defense. A groundout ended the game, securing Taiwan’s victory and advancement to the championship.
With an impressive performance from Lai Cheng-Xi on the mound and a strong team effort both offensively and defensively, Taiwan’s victory over Venezuela in the Little League World Series semifinal has propelled them to the championship game. As they aim to claim their first title in over two decades, Taiwan’s history of success in the tournament and their current form make them a formidable opponent for any team they face in the final match.
