Little League World Series 2012: Everything You Need to Know About Japan

Japan is back where it belongs—on top of the baseball world.

At least for 11- to 13-year-olds.

In the 2012 Little League World Series Championship, its club redeemed itself for last year’s loss in the title game. On Sunday, Japan defeated a drained Tennessee team that had beaten Northern California in a 24-16 slugfest the day before. The Japanese triumphed 12-2 capping off their incredible LLWS run.

Here’s everything you need to know about the world champs.

Redemption

Last year, California had derailed Japan’s dream season, knocking the team off in the LLWS title by the score of 2-1. This time around, the Japanese refused to fall to the U.S. representative.

The fact that they had scored just a single run in the previous championship had to have stuck around in their minds.

And they had no shortage of offense vs. Tennessee. Japan scored 12 runs in just five innings and 10 in the first four, erasing any memory of last year’s loss.

How They Got There

Japan reached the title in dominating fashion.

In its first game of the tournament, it defeated Caribbean, 7-0. Its elite pitching was on display once again as the staff recorded its second straight shutout against Asia-Pacific in a 2-0 triumph.

The Japanese couldn’t stay perfect against Latin America, though, as they could only come away with a 4-1 victory.

In the International Championship, Latin America got a rematch, and while it fared better offensively, it struggled mightily on the other end. Japan cruised, 10-2.

Top Pitchers

Kotaro Kiyomiya

The 6’0”, 206-pound Kiyomiya is a monster on the mound. He struck out seven batters in just 2.2 innings of work against the Caribbean. He also started for Japan in Sunday’s title game and recorded eight strikeouts in four innings.

Yuta Ishida

Ishida pitched six innings against Asia-Pacific and downright dominated. He surrendered just three hits and struck out 11 batters.

He didn’t do as well vs. Latin America in the International Championship, but he still got the job done, surrendering two runs and recording six Ks in Japan’s 12-2 triumph.

Top Hitters

Noriatsu Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s leadoff hitter, and for good reason. He finished the LLWS with an outrageous batting average of .526. He also hammered home four long balls and 11 RBI—four of which came in the championship against Tennessee.

Kotaro Kiyomiya

Yes, not only is Kiyomiya Japan’s best pitcher, but he’s the squad’s best hitter too. On top of his 0.90 ERA, he bats cleanup and hit an incredible .667 for the tournament. He also recorded three home runs and six RBI.

Tradition of Excellence

No one should be shocked that Japan won yet another LLWS title. The nation has eight—the second-most all time.

Since 1998, the Japanese have participated in 10 championship games and won five of them. Their one-run loss to California last year is the only thing that stands between them and three straight world titles.

Next year, it’s safe to say that Japan will be back with a club just as talented as ever.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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