Little League World Series Results: Full Breakdown of Japan's Latest Title

Japan won the 2013 Little League World Series, 6-4, in a classic, and here's a breakdown of how the game unfolded in Williamsport, Pa, Sunday.

California entered the game looking like the most complete team in the tournament, but Japan's depth was too much for the West to overcome.

Japan has now won back-to-back World Series and has won three of the last four titles.

The key to the title run was great pitching and clutch hitting at the end of games. That formula worked one final time on Sunday.

For the fourth straight game, Japan scored the winning run in the bottom of the fifth inning or later. This game was different from the rest because Japan had to rally to take the lead in the fifth inning. It hadn't trailed this late in a game since arriving in Williamsport.

Full statistics are courtesy of GameChanger.io via the official website of the Little League World Series.

Game Breakdown

This back-and-forth game featured a lot of critical plays.

After California scored twice in the top of the first inning, Japan answered with two of its own in the bottom of the inning. However, it had a chance to take the lead. A great throw by Jake Espinoza nailed Takuma Gomi—the hero of Saturday's International final—at the plate to end the inning.

With a 2-2 game in the third, Shunpei Takagi gave Japan the lead with a solo shot.

The lead wouldn't last long. The first three batters reached in the fourth for California, but Japan had to deal with a jam. Kyousuke Kobayashi replaced starting pitcher Kazuki Ishida to deal with the mess. 

A fielder's choice nailed the runner at the plate for the first out. However, Giancarlo Cortez drove in two runs with a single to give California a 4-3 lead, but the next two batters struck out.

California loaded the bases again in the fifth, however, Japan was able to get out of trouble. Espinoza flew out to left, and Gomi came up with a big throw to nail Patrick Archer at the plate. Japan managed to get three outs without allowing a run to score after letting the first three hitters reach base.

Kobayashi worked out of two big jams and gave his team a chance to win the game.

Down 4-3 entering the bottom of the fifth, Japan got clutch hitting yet again.

Takagi led off the inning with a home run to tie the game. The next two hitters reached on singles, and a wild pitch put them in scoring position. Ryusei Hirooka got his first hit of the day on a double to drive in the go-ahead run and an insurance run.

The three-run fifth gave Japan a 6-4 lead with three outs to go. 

Keita Saito came in to close out the game in the top of the sixth. He got the first batter out but allowed the next two to reach base. With the tying run on first, Kevin Bateman II hit into a double play to end the tournament.

Analysis

Japan was able to win because of its pitching depth. Its starter went only three innings and allowed four runs, but the relievers came in and kept California off the board.

California had plenty of chances to score runs, but great defense by Japan cut down a few runs at the plate. California had seven hits, six walks and was hit by a pitch four times. It had enough runners on base to score more than four runs but couldn't come through with the big hit.

Japan made it to the championship game by getting key hits late in games and letting the pitching finish the job.

This team was something special. It pushed through difficult situations and was able to find a way to win. Playing in close games over the past week paid off for Japan as it was able to continue its run.

Sunday's final game was an instant classic. The two squads battled for six innings and had many memorable plays. 

California had more opportunities to win the game, however, Japan executed better and came out on top.

Japan won its ninth Little League World Series, and the kids put on a show in Williamsport on Sunday.

*All information is courtesy of the official website of the Little League World Series