Little League World Series 2012: Japan's Victory Puts Emphasis on Impressive Run

Japan outscored their opponents 35-5 in the 2012 Little League World Series, capping that off with a 12-2 beating of Tennessee in the tournament championship.

That is a shocking margin of victory. I don't care if it's Major League Baseball, college baseball or anything in between—a 35-5 span is tough to do regardless of the level.

Anyone who watched this team wouldn't be surprised, though. Their consistent blend of defensive fundamentals and offensive firepower was simply stunning. They brought an eighth world series championship back to Japan, and this was the most dominant run yet.

Their run couldn't have finished in a more impressive way.

Noriatsu Osaka and Kotaro Kiyomiya both exhibited incredible individual performances. Kiyomiya hit a single at the plate, but his most important contributions came on an eight-strikeout performance on the mound. 

Osaka blasted three home runs, including the clincher in the fifth inning. On top of that, he also had a triple.

Japan always brings competitive teams to South Williamsport, Penn.. They're fundamentally sound, focused and always up for top-flight competition.

This year was no different. In fact, it may have been the best run yet.

Put the championship game in perspective. Tennessee entered the game following a 24-run effort against California. They also allowed 16 runs, but their offense was devastating.

Japan wasn't intimidated. Instead, they allowed two hits and made Tennessee's offense look like nothing.

Maybe Tennessee was simply worn out, but that wasn't the bulk of it. Japan was just that good this year. 

It seems like every year that a team gets hot in the Little League World Series. Sometimes it lasts for a few games, and sometimes it's enough to earn them a title.

After watching Japan, I'm convinced that this team could have played like this for another two weeks.