Little League World Series 2012: Breaking Down Remaining American Squads

The American side of the Little League World Series has been whittled down to four excellent squads, but only one of those teams will have their shot to represent the United States in the championship game.

The teams from San Antonio and Goodlettsville, Tenn. are still undefeated, and it's tough to deny the cardiac kids from California following their dramatic walk-off victory over New Jersey on Monday.

Even more dramatic than California's walk-off win was Will Lucas' no-hitter for Connecticut to keep his team in the mix against Indiana Monday evening.

Only one of these four teams will have a chance to reach their ultimate destination. Let's break down how each team has looked so far in South Williamsport, Penn.

Texas

The boys from San Antonio have been dominant thus far in world series action. Not only did they beat a solid New Jersey team 5-2 in their opening game, but they thumped the squad from New Castle, Ind. 13-3 to move to 2-0 overall.

This team has it all. Their pitching has been very solid and if their second game is any indicator, their bats are right there as well.

Their explosiveness is what sticks out to me. They were beating Indiana by one run heading into the fourth inning of their contest on Sunday, but exploded for six runs in the fourth frame. Four different players knocked in a run.

A lineup this solid from top to bottom is going to be a tough out for anyone. Don't expect them to go away anytime soon.

Tennessee

Goodlettsville leads Pool A with its undefeated record, and it has come in impressive fashion. It dismantled Nebraska in its first game and triumphed over a very solid California squad in its second victory.

Here's the bottom line: This team has scored 21 runs in two games. Until someone figures out how to traverse the dangerous depths of this lineup, this team will keep on rolling.

Not only do they hit as a team, but they boast one of this year's most feared hitters in Brock Myers. Myers has hit two runs in as many games and his shot against California propelled his team to victory.

It's no fluke that this team is currently undefeated. They are a force to be reckoned with. If you can't pitch well for six innings, you stand very little chance of upsetting their road to the championship game.

California

California entered Little League competition as one of this year's favorites, but its loss to Tennessee was an unforeseen hurdle.

Either way, this is a solid team that can beat anyone.

Their path was given an exclamation point on Monday when they eliminated the team from New Jersey. Danny Marzo's walk-off home run in the eighth inning was one of this year's most exciting moments so far, and I can't see it being surpassed by anything.

On top of Marzo, this team has powerful slugger Bradley Smith who went yard against Connecticut earlier in the tournament.

This team does have a loss, but don't let that fool you. They're talented enough to emerge as a favorite regardless of their current record.

Connecticut

Here's one name to remember: Will Lucas. The right-hander mowed down 13 Indiana batters Monday en route to a no-hitter.

His effort on the mound helped his squad stave off elimination, and his home run at the plate didn't hurt either. Lucas was a one-man wrecking crew Monday evening and things like that can be enough to propel a team to another win or two.

Connecticut lost its opening game to California before bouncing back with a 12-0 victory over Nebraska in its second contest.

They know what it feels like to play with everything on the line and that's a dangerous quality to deal with for opposing teams.

It will be interesting to see who emerges from the American side of the world series pool. All four teams are very talented and it could go any way at this point in South Williamsport.