Little League World Series: Who’s Alive and Who’s the Powerhouse?

With the first round of the Little League World Series winding down, it's time for some big time baseball. Some teams are sitting comfortably waiting for their next opponent, while others need to win to stay alive in the tournament.

With that in mind, here are some of the bigger matchups and who I see as the favorites going forward.

Big Matchup No. 1: Connecticut vs. Washington

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SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 22: Kyle Donnelly #3 of the New England team from Walpole, Massachusetts pitches to Dalton Carriker #2 of the Southeast team from Warner Robins, Georgia during their tournament game in the Little League World Series on Aug

This will be the second matchup between the two teams in this World Series. The first was a thrilling 3-1 Connecticut victory off of a two-run eighth inning.

It will be an elimination game, and the loser is out of the title picture. We can only hope for another suspenseful game.

Big Matchup No. 2: Ohio vs. Georgia

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SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 23: Michael Hall #7 of the Great Lakes team from Illinois can't come up with the ball on a double hit in the sixth inning by Sam Albert of the Northwest team from Oregon during the United States Semifinal game in the Littl

Two 1-0 teams will face off with the winner advancing and the other going to an elimination game. Georgia topped Hawaii 6-2 while Ohio bested New Jersey 16-6.

It should be interesting to see how two teams coming off of impressive wins fare against each other.

Big Matchup No. 3: Canada vs. Chinese Taipei

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SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 22: Members of the Canadian team from White Rock, British Columbia walk on the field after losing to the Caribbean team from Willemstad, Curacao during their tournament game in the Little League World Series on August 22, 2

Another matchup of 1-0 teams pits two great teams against each other. Canada is coming off of a 4-2 win against Panama while Chinese Taipei is rolling after crushing Saudi Arabia 16-0.

Chinese Taipei has the second most LLWS championships ever and looks to lock up a spot in the next round with a win against Canada.

Big Matchup No. 4: Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

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WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 30: Third baseman Raymundo Berronnes #23 of Mexico (Reynosa) celebrates his game winning home run against Texas (San Antonio) in the consolation game at Volunteer Stadium on August 30, 2009 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Mexico d

Another do-or-die game with a lot of similarities. Both teams crushed Germany but came up short against Japan.

It's hard to make an accurate read on a game where both teams destroyed an inferior opponent but lost to a better team. It should be interesting to see who comes out on top.

US Powerhouse No. 1: Texas

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WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 30: Starting pitcher Steven Cardone #21 of Texas (San Antonio) VERB against Mexico (Reynosa) in the consolation game at Volunteer Stadium on August 30, 2009 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Mexico defeated Texas 5-4. (Photo by Larr

The only American team to clinch a spot in the next round would be Texas. Texas has really unleashed the bats, scoring 24 runs in their first two games.

At the same time, Texas has only allowed nine runs, with eight runs in their first game against Minnesota inflating that total.

US Powerhouse No. 2: Ohio

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SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 23: Michael Hall #7 of the Great Lakes team from Illinois can't come up with the ball on a double hit by Jace Fry of the Northwest team from Oregon during the United States Semifinal game in the Little League World Series

Ohio is 1-0 after thrashing New Jersey 16-2. If Ohio can keep up that type of offensive firepower, there's no reason why they can't find themselves in the final.

International Powerhouse No. 1: Japan

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WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 26: Chiba City, Japan players stand for the national anthems before their game against Reynosa, Mexico at the international semifinal at Lamade Stadium on August 26, 2009 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Reynosa, Mexico defeated Ch

Japan, the nation with the third most LLWS championships ever, finds itself in prime position to get back to the title game again.

Japan has outscored its opponents by seven and should be one of the favorites going forward in the international bracket.

International Powerhouse No. 2: Chinese Taipei

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WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 27: Third baseman Cheng Chieh Lee #13of Asia Pacific (Chinese Taipei) throws to first during a play against the Caribbean (Curacao) in the international semifinal at Lamade Stadium on August 27, 2009 in Williamsport, Pennsylvani

The only reason I put Chinese Taipei behind Japan is the sheer fact that they haven't qualified yet. But they will, and they'll be dangerous.

Chinese Taipei has fearsome hitting and pitching and is a team I expect to see in the final.