Little League World Series 2013: American Squads That Will Be Tough to Eliminate

An event that has taken all summer to complete is nearing its end as competition for the Little League World Series heats up.

Only six teams remain in the United States tournament, and each of them would like to represent the nation in the World Series. While all but one will eventually be eliminated, a few will not go down without a fight.

These will be the toughest squads to defeat over the course of the upcoming week in Williamsport, Pa. 

Eastlake Little League, Washington (Northwest)

There might not be a better offense in the entire tournament than that of Eastlake. In the Northwest regional, the Washington team averaged 10.5 runs per game while going 6-0. Only once was the team held to fewer than nine runs.

Those who argued it was against weak competition were proved wrong when the team from Sammamish scored eight runs in its opening win against the Southwest representative, Universal Little League.

The strength of the team is in the middle of the lineup, with Will Armbruester and Jacob Dahlstrom placed perfectly in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. Each player hits with consistency and is a nightmare for pitchers when runners are on base.

While this group is set to face tougher pitching as it gets deeper into the tournament, it is difficult to imagine anyone keeping this lineup off the scoreboard.

Washington's champions are one of only two undefeated teams remaining including regional play, and they have shown to be a top contender. 

Eastlake Little League, California (West)

Yes, there is a second team in Williamsport known as Eastlake. To make matters worse for opponents, this team from Chula Vista, Calif., is just as good.

While the Washington squad utilizes strong hitting, the California version is all about pitching, specifically with Grant Holman. He put himself on the map in the first game of the tournament:

The Michigan opponent simply could not catch up with Holman's fastball, and he did whatever he wanted on the mound.

Of course, this is not a fluke either. Holman and others helped Eastlake hold opponents to just 1.3 runs per game in the regional tournament, which included three shutouts.

The offense is more than capable of getting it done as well, but the pitching is what will keep the West team alive throughout the event. If any opponent plans on knocking out Eastlake, hitters will have to find a way to score against this solid staff.

South Nashville Little League, Tennessee (Southeast) 

The best thing that South Nashville has going for it is resiliency. In the Southeast regional, the Tennessee team lost its first game before scoring 17 in the next game against Alabama.

The players continued this run with their backs against the wall to win the region and advance to the final tournament.

After losing its opening matchup in Williamsport to Connecticut, South Nashville will have to do the same thing to remain alive in the championship.

It already got off to a good start in the bottom bracket with a 10-2 win to knock out the Texas squad. Now the young club must keep the momentum going with only a few more games between it and a title.

The Tennessee squad has a deep roster full of talented players who believe they have a chance until the final out is made. That is dangerous for any opponent, and it is something that will keep the group alive for a long time.

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