Little League World Series 2013: Players to Watch in Saturday's Semifinal Games
The 2013 Little League World Series will conclude this weekend with a handful of high-stakes matchups from Williamsport, Pa.
But before Sunday's championship showdown, viewers will get a chance to see some of the top young players on the planet try to lead their teams past the semifinals.
Below we'll examine a trio of players to watch for on Saturday in Williamsport.
Grant Holman, Chula Vista, Calif.
California pitcher Grant Holman has been an absolute stud on the mound for the West regional champions this August in Williamsport, pitching a no-hitter in his side's 3-0 win over the Great Lakes in their opener.
Holman's performance was good enough to make him the first Little League World Series pitcher since 1979 to toss an extra-inning no-hitter.
In Chula Vista's victory over New England on Wednesday, Holman was again on fire, striking out 10 in nearly four innings pitched.
One of the brightest stars taking part in the Little League World Series this summer, you can bet Holman will be at his best again on Saturday as Chula Vista, Calif. takes aim at the United States Championship.
Kyousuke Kobayashi, Tokyo, Japan
Versatile Japanese player Kyousuke Kobayashi turned out a clutch performance for Tokyo on Wednesday against Mexico, knocking in a key RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning to propel his side to a 5-2 victory.
Listed as both a pitcher and a left fielder, Kobayashi can handle a number of roles for Japan. Prior to delivering with his bat against Mexico, he struck out a batter from the mound against Chinese Taipei earlier in the week.
With Japan set to face off against Mexico again in Saturday's International Championship, Kobayashi will need to be a factor at the plate once again, where another timely contribution could see Tokyo through to the Little League title game on Sunday.
Brandon Montes, Tijuana, Mexico
Mexican pitcher and second baseman Brandon Montes was key for Tijuana on Thursday against Aguadulce, Panama, igniting his side with a long home run to lead off the fifth inning. Mexico would go on to win 4-2 to avoid elimination and send Panama home disappointed.
Prior to that explosive outing, Montes went yard in Mexico's loss to Japan and homered in his side's 13-0 trouncing of Panama earlier in the tournament.
In Tijuana's 12-0 dismantling of Perth, Australia early in the tournament, Montes was again the offensive spark, recording three RBI in the victory.
It goes without saying that Montes will need to turn in yet another impressive individual performance for Mexico if it hopes to advance to Sunday's championship game.
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