Little League World Series 2012 Scores: Reaction and Analysis to Final Showdown

Japan was paced by Noriatsu Osaka's bat and Kotaro Kiyomiya's arm en route to their 12-2 shellacking of Tennessee in the Little League World Series championship.

The boys from Tennessee could only manage two hits against Kiyomiya's heavy fastball, and they couldn't stifle Osaka at the plate. He hit three home runs on the day, including a two-run shot to clinch the game in the fifth inning.

Let's rehash this game through Twitter reaction and general analysis.

Twitter Reaction

Let's start things off on a light-hearted note. Williamsport Sun-Gazette reporter Mitch Rupert had this to say after Osaka sent his third home run sailing over the fence:

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Noriatsu Osaka becomes the first player to hit 3 home runs in a Little League World Series game since ... Yesterday

— Mitch Rupert (@Mitch_Rupert) August 26, 2012

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We've seen our share of home runs this summer in Little League action, and Rupert highlights that in an offbeat manner. Whether it be no-hitters or home runs, this is what Little League is.

ESPN's Jenn Brown had this to say about after her post-game interview with Kiyomiya:

"

Got a pic with Japan's Kotaro Kiyomiya after the game. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw him in the majors one day.say.ly/krj433e

— Jenn Brown (@ESPN_Jenn) August 26, 2012

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We will close with some general reaction regarding Japan's win from ESPN's official Twitter account:

"

Japan just won the Little League World Series in style. #WalkOff#MercyRule

— ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2012

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Analysis

Japan's walk-off victory in the fifth inning was emphatic and a perfect cap to an excellent Little League World Series.

Osaka's home runs were just three of five long balls that Japan planted off Tennessee pitching. Anytime you combine an offensive performance like that with an elite pitching performance, you are going to be tough to beat. Kiyomiya's eight-strikeout performance certainly fit the bill.

Watching Japan beat a team that scored 24 runs the day before was impressive. Tennessee's offense scored runs at will against California in the U.S. championship, but Japan shrugged them off with ease.

This game showed Tennessee's weakness at the worst time. We only see the 24 runs against California because they won the game, but Japan reminded all of us that they also allowed 16 runs to Petaluma, Calif..  

It's not that Tennessee didn't have their moments. They only had two hits, but each was a home run. Brock Myers' home run was his fifth of the tournament, and put an end to one of the best individual offensive performances of the entire tournament.

One thing that everyone seems to be talking about is the sportsmanship both teams showed. Kiyomiya would actually shake a batter's hand after they hit a home run. You wouldn't see anything like that anywhere else.

These two teams battled it out, but Tennessee seemed worn out after their marathon victory over California the day before.

Japan's eighth World Series championship was one of their most dominant performances to date. What was more impressive was the class they showed while doing it.