Taiwan triumphed over the United States champion Nevada, clinching its 18th Little League World Series title with a decisive 7-0 victory on July 30, 2023. This win marks the end of a 29-year title drought for Taiwan, which last secured the championship in 1996. With this victory, Taiwan has the second-most titles in the tournament’s history, trailing only the United States.
Dominant Performance by Lin Chin-Tse
The standout player of the championship game was Lin Chin-Tse, who delivered an impressive performance on the mound. The 12-year-old right-hander retired the first 13 batters he faced and permitted only one hit across five innings. His fastball consistently exceeded 80 mph, a remarkable feat considering the pitching distance at this level is only 46 feet. Lin’s control and speed remained evident throughout the tournament, culminating in this stellar championship performance.
In addition to his pitching, Lin played a pivotal role offensively. He hit a three-run triple during a crucial five-run inning in the fifth, further solidifying Taiwan’s dominance in the game. Prior to this championship, Lin’s longest outing had been three innings in the opening match against Mexico, where he also showcased his talent by allowing just one hit in a subsequent victory over Venezuela.
Key Moments in the Game
Taiwan’s offense took advantage of Nevada’s mistakes, capitalizing on four wild pitches and a passed ball. Jian Zih-De opened the scoring in the second inning, reaching base via a walk and later scoring after a series of wild pitches. In the third inning, Chen Shi-Rong added to the lead by crossing home plate due to a throwing error by Nevada.
Despite a valiant effort, Nevada could not find their rhythm. Their only hit of the game came from Garrett Gallegos, who broke up Lin’s perfect game with a single in the fifth inning. Unfortunately for Nevada, Gallegos was quickly caught in a double play after Grayson Miranda lined out to second base.
This championship game highlighted Taiwan’s historical strength in Little League baseball, with their 18 titles reflecting a legacy that spans decades. The last international team to win the tournament before Taiwan was Japan in 2017, emphasizing the competitive nature of the event.
In summary, Taiwan’s victory in the Little League World Series not only breaks a long-standing title drought but also reinforces its legacy as a powerhouse in youth baseball. The triumph serves as an inspiration for young athletes in Taiwan and around the world, showcasing the importance of teamwork and skill at a young age.
