Little League World Series 2011: Japan To Square Off with Mexico

The 65th Little League World Series has been as entertaining a sporting event as any leading up to its final games. 

On the international side of the bracket of the 2011 Little League World Series, Japan and Mexico will square off in what has the makings of arguably the best matchup of the tournament so far.

Historically, Mexico has won three World Series titles, but won both prior to the 1997 championship in 1957 and 1958.

Tokyo, Japan, on the other hand, has won five Little League World Series titles and three in the last 10 years. The country itself has won seven total championships. This team was also the winning team in last year's tournament.

For those who haven't followed the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Mexico and Japan have put on impressive runs to get to this championship game.

Mexico is red-hot from the mound going into the international title game, winning three consecutive games, as it is 3-0 for the tournament. 

What makes Mexico's run all the more impressive? The fact that this team has been able to do it with solid pitching and just enough run support. In the three wins, pitching has been the significant advantage for Mexico, as the team has allowed three runs the entire tournament and batted in just eight.

Jorge Jacobo, arguably the best pitcher in the World Series, leads all pitchers with two wins and is yet to give up an earned run. Jacobo is tied for the third-most strikeouts at 14 and has given up just two hits in 7.2 innings pitched.

Alongside Jacobo is Carlos Arellano, who has put on a clinic with 14 strikeouts to his name as well. Arellano has given up just one run all tournament.

Japan, on the other hand, wins games with its offensive firepower as well as decent pitching. 

Yoshiki Suzuki has been played a significant factor in putting runs up on the board, slugging three home runs in the tournament to lead all players. It's also interesting to note Suzuki has also proven himself on the mound, winning a game earlier this tournament.

In its last win over Venezuela, the team batted in nine runs. Suzuki accounted for three runs of his own while also managing to bat in three. His production this game will be crucial.

As Mexico and Japan square off on Saturday night, it seems the two have opposite strengths that should make for quite the even matchup. Yet there is one thing to consider: Mexico has already beaten Japan in this 2011 Little League World Series.

Earlier in the tournament, Mexico was able to beat last year's champions 3-2.

Japan looked flat offensively throughout the game, while Mexico was spot-on with its placement on pitches. After a two-run first inning for the Japanese, Mexico would hold Japan scoreless for the last six innings before finally taking the lead with a run in the seventh inning. Suzuki was held to just one hit in the game.

This final will likely be another low-scoring game, as that type of ballgame heavily favors the Mexico side. Yet something seems to be brewing in the Japan locker room since the loss to Mexico, as they have scored a whopping 26 runs in the last three games.

Look for Japan's hitting to overcome the impressive pitching from the Mexican side, as last year's champions should find themselves playing for their second consecutive Little League World Series championship.