Little League World Series 2012 Schedule: When and Where to Catch Top Games

The Little League World Series is coming to a close, which means the championship hardware is just days away from being handed out to the victorious teams. The stakes are getting higher by the day as the tournament progresses, and here is everything you need to know in order to catch all the important games.

Mexico vs. Latin America

When: Thursday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. ET  

Where: Howard J. Lamade Stadium, South Williamsport, PA

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

It's a win-or-go-home situation for both teams heading into this International semifinal game, with Mexico putting together quite a performance in Willaimsport so far this tournament.

The team's only loss in the LLWS came against Canada in a high-scoring affair of 13-9, but Mexico has not allowed that loss to do anything but fuel its quest to win.

The Mexicans have been one of the most run-producing teams of the tournament so far, coming off a 6-2 victory over the Caribbean and previous wins over Asia-Pacific and MEA to their credit.

That doesn't mean Mexico will roll right over Latin America, however, who actually defeated the Canadians rather handily by a score of 8-3 back on Aug. 19. The Latin Americans are coming off a recent loss to Japan, however, which means Mexico owns the momentum advantage in this one.

Overall, both teams have impressed during the tournament and that's why they find themselves in the semifinal, but the edge goes to Mexico in this one based on recent success.

Prediction: Mexico 6 Latin America 4

West vs. Southwest

When: Thursday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. ET

Where: Howard J. Lamade Stadium, South Williamsport, PA

Watch: ESPN 2

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

In the battle to prove which is the best western-based team, West and Southwest will take the field to see which earns the right to play in the United States Championship against Southeast.

This game could go either way considering both teams have won crucial games to reach this elimination bout. West defeated New England 5-0 in its most recent game while Southwest crushed the Great Lakes by a score of 13-3 back on Aug. 19.

Southwest is coming into Aug. 23 off a tough loss to Southeast by a score of 4-3, however. That game marked the first time all tournament that Southwest had seen a game result in anything other than victory.

Both teams will head into this contest hoping to avoid just their second loss of the tournament, but Southwest will be the one who does so. With the fourth-best ERA in the tournament, the pitching staff should be able to shut down their opponents long enough to get the victory and advance to the U.S. finals.

Prediction: Southwest 4 West 2