Little League World Series 2012: Key Players for Upcoming Finals Matchups

Then there were two.

Two championships, that is. The Little League World Series is down to an International final and United States final.

No more double elimination.

Win and go on to the world series. Lose and go home.

This is usually the time of the year when special 12-year-olds put themselves on top of the world with epic performances.

Let's take a look at prime candidates to do just that. 

James Gonzalez, SS/P, Latin America

In three LLWS games against teams that aren't Japan, Gonzalez is 7-for-11 with a double, three home runs and eight RBI, including a key home run against Mexico to propel his team to the International final. 

Against Japan in the semis, Gonzalez went 1-for-3. 

Japan's pitching staff is nearly unhittable, but if anyone is going to make them pay, it's Gonzalez. He needs to have the game of his life against the world's best 12-year-olds. No pressure. 

Yuta Ishida, P, Japan

Japan needs to fall back on its clear strength, and that's pitching. Through three games, this Japanese squad has given up zero earned runs and struck out 38 through 21 innings.

Seriously.

Most likely to get the start in this one is Ishida, who went six scoreless innings with 11 Ks back on August 19 against Chinese-Taipei, arguably Japan's biggest game.

Well, this is Japan's newest biggest game. The squad is undefeated this summer, but is all of a sudden just one loss away from elimination. Ishida is the King of Kings on this pitching staff, so don't be surprised if Japan hands him the ball for a dominant performance. 

Brock Myers, P/SS, Tennessee

The unquestioned leader of this undefeated Tennessee squad is clearly the 5'8" monster Brock Myers.

Not only does he have a 3.42 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 8.2 innings, but he's hitting a ridiculous .600 with three home runs and one double in 10 at-bats.

Wherever Tennessee puts him on Saturday, he's going to have to be his usual dominant self against a talented California squad. 

Bradley Smith, P/CF, California

Most years, Myers would easily find himself as the best hitter in the championship game—and probably the biggest, too.

Bradley Smith says no on both counts.

The 6'3", 185-pound force is hitting .643 with two doubles, two homers and five RBI. I suggest pitchers stay away from him, just like pitchers should stay away from Myers. 

No team has been able to solve Tennessee so far this tournament, and if California is going to be the first to do so, it will have to lean on the broad shoulders of Mr. Smith. 

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