Little League World Series 2012: Previewing Day 10 Action

With the final weekend of the annual Little league World Series upon us, the excitement over the championship rounds is what this tournament is all about.

By the time this weekend is over, we will have the 2012 Little League world champions!

After a long and arduous battle to get this far, all four of the remaining teams are looking to bring great pride to their homes by having an amazing showing and advancing to the finals.

While there is no shame in losing for any team that made it to this point in the tournament, there is no doubt that losing now is a heartbreaking outcome that no player wants to face.

As young as these children are, they know how big the stage they are playing on truly is.

Where: Lamade Field, Williamsport, PA

When: Saturday, August 25 at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Full Saturday Schedule

International Championship: Japan vs. Panama, 12:30 p.m. ET

U.S. Championship: Tennessee vs. California, 3:30 p.m. ET

What We’re Watching

California

Out of the four remaining teams, it is the California squad that has the potent offense and dominant pitching to make their way right to the LLWS championship.

We can’t forget, it was California that beat San Antonio 11-1 to cash their ticket to the U.S. finals on Day 10.

California better keep their bats red hot and their pitchers going lights out because the U.S. Championship matchup against Tennessee won’t be easy. While Tennessee is far better than San Antonio, California must avoid mistakes and play smart baseball and they will win.

Panama

It was Wednesday, August 22 when Panama and Japan met for the first time in this tournament, and it was the Japanese that stole a 4-1 win from the Panamanian team.

Now Team Panama wants vengeance.

While Panama’s hitting isn’t the best in the tournament, their pitching has been amazing. If they can get the same performance that catapulted them to this point (starting pitchers struck out 11 Thursday against Mexico), there is no doubt that Panama can shock the world and send Japan home early.

Japan

One team that has a long history of making their presence known at the Little League World Series every year is the Japanese squad. Since 1998, the Japanese teams have made the international finals an astounding nine times.

While the experience of the Japanese team is a great advantage to pass from one squad to another, the Panamanian team they will be facing what could be the toughest international test they face all tournament.

If they make it past, Japan will have earned it.

Tennessee

While California is the clear favorite to continue their ride to the LLWS and win it all, it is the Tennessee-based team that comes into this matchup Saturday with the chip on their shoulder. Everyone is counting them out already.

Not so fast.

Despite the fact that in two of the past three seasons, the U.S. winner and the ultimate Little League World Series champion has come from the state of California, Team Tennessee has the offensive prowess to stand with them and the pitching to send them home disappointed.

Check back for more on the Major League Baseball as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s MLB page to get your fill of all things baseball.

Follow @Donald_Wood