Taiwan emerged victorious in the Little League World Series by defeating Nevada 7-0, securing its 18th championship title on March 17, 2024. This win marks a significant achievement for Taiwan, ending a 29-year title drought since its last championship in 1996. With this victory, Taiwan solidifies its position as the second-most successful nation in the tournament’s history, trailing only behind the United States.
One of the standout players was Lin Chin-Tse, who delivered an impressive performance on the mound. The 12-year-old right-hander from Taipei retired the first 13 batters he faced and allowed just one hit over five innings. Lin’s fastball reached speeds exceeding 80 mph, which is notably swift given the short distance of 46 feet from the mound to home plate at this level of play. His performance was pivotal in maintaining Taiwan’s dominance throughout the match.
Lin not only excelled as a pitcher but also contributed significantly to the offense with a three-run triple during a decisive five-run fifth inning. His ability to impact both sides of the game exemplified the skill and determination of the Taiwanese team.
While Nevada was making its first appearance in a championship game, the team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite a late challenge, a single by Garrett Gallegos broke up Taiwan’s perfect game in the fifth inning, but the ensuing double play ended Nevada’s hopes for a comeback.
Taiwan’s offensive strategy relied on capitalizing on Nevada’s mistakes, including four wild pitches and a passed ball that led to crucial runs. Jian Zih-De initiated the scoring in the second inning by successfully reaching home after a series of wild pitches. In the third inning, Chen Shi-Rong added another run when he capitalized on a throwing error by the Nevada defense, demonstrating the importance of alertness on the field.
This championship triumph not only highlights Taiwan’s rich history in Little League baseball but also emphasizes the nation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent in the sport. Taiwan’s impressive record, which includes winning five consecutive titles from 1977 to 1981, underscores its legacy in the tournament.
With this latest victory, Taiwan aims to inspire future generations of players and continue its tradition of excellence in international youth baseball. The last international team to win the Little League World Series prior to Taiwan’s victory was Japan, which took the title in 2017. As celebrations commence, the Taiwanese team and its supporters can take pride in a remarkable achievement that resonates beyond the field.
