Little League World Series 2010: Power Ranking the Title Contenders

Larry French/Getty Images

The Little League World Series has featured a dominant performance by the kids from Columbus, Ga., but after a loss to Hawaii Thursday, the favorite to capture the United States title could be on the outside looking in.

Hawaii pitcher Noah Shackles kept Georgia's offense under control and helped his team stave off elimination with a 7-4 win.  The teams meet again Friday afternoon in Williamsport with a trip to the United States Championship game on the line.

Saturday, Japan and Chinese Taipei meet in the International Championship with the winner advancing to the World Series Championship game played on Sunday.

Here's a closer look at the final teams remaining in the field.

Hawaii vs. Georgia in Elimination Game

Hawaii fought off elimination Thursday and clearly has a chance to become the first team to advance to the Final Four from the losers bracket.

It won't be easy, as Georgia manager Randy Morris plans to pitch ace Jacob Pate Friday.  Pate dominated Hawaii when the teams met early in pool play, helping Georgia to a 6-0 win.

Unless the kids from Hawaii can continue their timely hitting, Georgia should be able to survive.

Predicted Winner: Georgia (Southeast)

The International Championship

Japan meets a potent Chinese Taipei club in Saturday's International Championship.

Chinese Taipei, representing the Asian-Pacific region, has stormed through Williamsport by sweeping pool play while outscoring opponents by an astounding 46-1.

Japan advanced to the championship by defeating Mexico twice, including a 3-2 win on Tuesday when Kaname Shinozaki's fourth-inning home run was the difference.

Chinese Taipei won the International Championship last year and is likely to repeat.

Predicted Winner: Chinese Taipei (Asian-Pacific)

The United States Championship

Assuming Georgia sneaks by Hawaii today, the team will meet Pearland, Texas in the United States Championship.

Texas defeated Auburn, Washington, 7-5, Thursday to earn a spot in the championship.  Texas rallied from a 5-3 deficit in the sixth and final inning to pull off the win.

Georgia remains the favorite to claim the United States Championship, but Texas has shown remarkable resiliency throughout World Series play.

Predicted Winner: Texas (Southwest)

The World Championship

Can anyone manage to beat Chinese Taipei?

It might take a miracle to pull of the win Sunday afternoon, but Mason Van Noort and the Texas bats should at least be able to put some runs on the board.

In the end, Chinese Taipei is likely to atone for its loss in last year's World Championship Game with a win over Texas.

Schedule and Television Coverage

Larry French/Getty Images

Friday

Pool A Elimination Game: Georgia vs. Hawaii, 2 PM Eastern Time, ESPN and ESPN3.com

Saturday

International Championship Game: Japan vs. Chinese Taipei, 1 PM Eastern Time, ABC and ESPN3.com

United States Championship Game: Georgia or Hawaii vs. Texas, 3 PM Eastern Time, ABC and ESPN3.com

Sunday

Consolation Game, Loser of International Championship vs. Loser of United States Championship, 11 AM Eastern Time, ESPN and ESPN3.com

World Championship Game, Winner of International Championship vs. Winner of United States Championship, 3 PM Eastern Time, ABC and ESPN3.com