Taiwan emerged victorious at the Little League World Series, defeating Nevada 7-0 on March 24, 2024. This win marks Taiwan’s first championship title since 1996 and its 18th overall, the most of any nation aside from the United States. The victory ends a 29-year title drought for the Taiwanese team, showcasing their dominance in youth baseball historically.
Lin Chin-Tse, a 12-year-old pitcher hailing from Taipei, played a pivotal role in the championship game. He retired the first 13 batters he faced and allowed only one hit over five innings. His impressive performance included throwing fastballs exceeding 80 mph, a notable speed given the short distance from the mound to home plate at this level, which is just 46 feet.
Lin’s Dominance on the Mound
Lin’s journey to this championship was remarkable. Prior to this game, his longest outing was three innings in the opening match against Mexico, where he also allowed just one hit in a subsequent victory over Venezuela. His performance on Sunday was particularly striking; he not only excelled as a pitcher but also contributed offensively. In the fifth inning, Lin hit a three-run triple, helping to secure Taiwan’s five runs during that frame.
Despite Nevada’s efforts, they struggled to find momentum. The team had reached the championship game for the first time in their history, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The only hit against Lin came from Garrett Gallegos in the fifth inning, who managed to break up the perfect game. Unfortunately for Nevada, Gallegos was caught in a double play shortly after, as Grayson Miranda lined out to second base.
Offensive Strategies Propel Taiwan Forward
Taiwan’s offense thrived by taking advantage of four wild pitches and a passed ball. Jian Zih-De opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning by working a walk and advancing home on a series of wild pitches. Chen Shi-Rong further contributed to the scoreline in the third inning, crossing home plate after a throwing error by Nevada.
This championship victory reaffirms Taiwan’s status as a powerhouse in Little League baseball. Their 18 titles reflect a rich history in the tournament, with a notable streak of five consecutive championships from 1977 to 1981. The last international team to win the title was Japan in 2017, making Taiwan’s return to the top of the podium all the more significant.
As the celebrations begin, the Taiwanese team looks forward to building on this success in future tournaments, continuing to inspire young athletes worldwide through their achievements.
