Little League World Series 2013: Complete Preview for Wednesday's Semifinals

And then there were four at the 2013 Little League World Series.

After a grueling road to South Williamsport, Pa., four of the best Little League teams in the world will battle it out on Wednesday for their shot to compete in their respective bracket championships on Saturday.

The losing teams from Wednesday will get another shot on Thursday to earn a trip to that game, but the teams would undoubtedly like to advance without having to play that additional contest.

Here’s a preview of the four undefeated teams competing on Wednesday for a chance to do just that.

International Bracket—Game 23: Mexico vs. Japan

When: Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. ET

Where: Howard J. Lamade Stadium, South Williamsport, Pa.

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Tijuana, Mexico, team has exploded in its first two LLWS contests, steamrolling both of its first two opponents by a combined margin of 25-0. Tijuana has done it thanks to flawless pitching by Luis Manzo and Brandon Meza. The two combined to allow just three hits over 7.2 innings of work.

It’s hard to argue there’s a team playing better baseball in South Williamsport heading into this pivotal Wednesday showdown.

The Tokyo, Japan, team has history and an impressive repertoire working in its favor, though. The nation has captured eight LLWS championships, the most recent coming last year.

While its bats have yet to come alive, Japan boasts strong pitching as well. In two games, Tokyo pitchers have struck out 15 batters, walked only three and allowed just two earned runs.

The deciding factor will be whether or not Japan can keep that up against the explosive Tijuana lineup. If not, it’s hard to imagine Tokyo's bats will be able to keep it in the game.

U.S. Bracket—Game 24: New England vs. West

When: Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. ET

Where: Howard J. Lamade Stadium, South Williamsport, Pa.

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

It’s been a long time since a Connecticut team has captured the LLWS championship—1989 to be exact. It’s been far less for a team from the West. California teams have captured seven total titles, including wins in 2009 and 2011.

Westport, Conn., has its work cut out for it if it hopes to secure an easy trip to Saturday’s U.S. bracket final. Like Mexico, the Chula Vista, Calif., team’s bats have come to life in South Williamsport.

Chula Vista also boasts one of the best overall players in the tournament: Grant Holman. The massive 6’4” pitcher fired a seven-inning no-hitter in his team’s first LLWS contest. He followed that up with a walk-off grand slam to solidify a 15-3 run-ruling of Newark, Del., to reach Wednesday’s semifinal.

Holman's no-hitter was a rare occurrence, according to ESPN Stats and Information:

Westport is no slouch at the plate, though, hitting .408 and scoring 12 runs through its first two games.

With both teams hitting well, pitching will be the key. The advantage then shifts to Chula Vista. The team has been nearly flawless to this point, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out 19 hitters and walking only two.