Tennessee vs. Japan: Little League World Series 2012 Championship Preview

With the conclusion of the 2012 Little League World series upon us, it’s time to break down the championship game that will finally settle which team is the best in the world.

While all of the squads that entered this competition deserve immense respect and recognition for their efforts and success, only Team USA’s representative, Tennessee, and the International representative, Japan, will have the chance to play for ultimate glory.

After almost two weeks of competition, the title of Little League World Series Champions will be handed to the winner of the one-game battle on tap for Sunday.

Tennessee and Japan were the strongest teams all tournament, and this will pan out to be one of the greatest finals in LLWS history. You do not want to miss this action!

Where: Lamade Field, Williamsport, PA

When: Sunday, August 26 at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Tennessee Team Preview

After taking California to their limit in the US title game, it has become abundantly clear that Tennessee lacks the pitching depth that many teams—including Japan—possess. While their pitching is not the best, their offense more than makes up for it.

When told California scored 16 runs on Tennessee in the US Championship game, the thought from anyone that has seen them play would be that Japan would devastate them. That is until you find out Tennessee scored 24 on California and their elite pitchers.

Japan will be Tennessee’s unquestionably biggest test of the tournament, but the offensive prowess that the Americans have will put them ahead early and often in the championship game.

Japan Team Preview

While Tennessee is all about the offense, Japan has a much better mix of stellar offense and elite pitching. The hope from the Japanese team will be to use their pitching to slow down the Tennessee offense enough to allow their own big hitters to capitalize on the lack of elite pitching.

After beating Panama 10-2 to ensure a spot in the Little League World Series finals, the Japanese showed their dominance on the mound and at the plate, but Tennessee is much more skilled than the Panamanian team.

The key for Japan will be keeping the Tennessee kids on their heels and not allowing them to get any kind of offensive rhythm. If Tennessee’s offense doesn’t get going early, Japan will win the game.

Prediction: Tennessee 11, Japan 7

As we saw in the United States Championship game, Team Tennessee has a tendency of giving up some runs to the opposing team and there is no doubt the strong-swinging Japanese team will get their runs.

The problem for the Japanese is that they have not faced an offense as stout as that of the Tennessee team. With hitters throughout the lineup, 24 runs is unlikely but the power it took to get that many runs is still there.

After a hard fought first three innings that will remain scoreless, the game will explode into an all-out offensive brigade. When the dust settles, though, it will be the kids from Tennessee standing on top.

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