Little League World Series 2011 Championship: Why California Will Be Champions

The stage is now set for the Little League World Series 2011 championship, as 2010 Little League World Series champions, Japan, will take on California for the title in what should be a game to remember.

Japan comes off of a strong win over Mexico, beating them in what was the second meeting between the two teams in the tournament.

After Mexico got the best of the Japan team with efficient pitching in the first meeting, Japan came out swinging in the International Final. The 5-2 win over Mexico puts Japan in the championship yet again, as the team hopes to repeat as champions.

Meanwhile, California has also had their way on the U.S. side of the bracket. In the U.S. championship game, the team crushed Montana in what was a strong win for the West team. In the 11-2 blowout win, the underdogs from Montana could not keep up with the heavy bats of California.

Starting pitcher Nick Pratto had 10 strikeouts in the win while chipping in three RBI at the plate. His production has been as significant as anything in the team's run. His six RBI rank fourth of any player in the tournament.

Suzuki is a player that California will have to fear going into Sunday's World Series Championship, as he has continues to help his side win ballgames.

In the International Final against Mexico, Yoshiki Suzuki pitched a complete game. In impressive, efficient fashion, he struck out seven in the effort and allowed just one earned run.

Both teams come off of wins that give them an added boost of confidence, as both wins were essentially revenge wins. Just three nights ago, California lost to Montana, who was undefeated going into the the U.S Final.

Japan lost to Mexico 3-2 prior to beating them in the International Final early Saturday.

In the first game between the two, Mexico got the best of the big-hitting Japan team, throwing heat left and right in what was domination on the mound for team Mexico.

In the encounter on Saturday, it was Japan having their way, putting up runs as they continue to do.

In the Little League World Series 2011 Championship Game, there will be a fair share of hits for both sides, as the contest will undoubtedly be a high-scoring one. Japan and California are the two leaders in runs scored, as Japan has put up 45 to California's 34.

Hagen Danner has been a big key for the California team as well, as he has been consistently getting on base. His batting average of .556 and two wins as a pitcher have been key to the success of the California side.

Japan has the experience, as they have been as sound a team as any in this year's Little League World Series. Last year, Japan won the 2010 tournament and looks to become back-to-back Little League World Series champions.

California on the other hand is swinging big and has looked like the team to beat on their run to the title. Not to mention Pratto looked deadly with his pitching accuracy, pounding the strike zone and keeping batters guessing.

Don't be surprised if Pratto sees some time on the mound in the championship game.

At the end of the day experience and having won the world series before will be an advantage for the Japan team, yet California is proving that with their strong pitching and hitting, they are the team to beat.

A champion is not a champion until they are taken down, yet California is the team that can and will get it done.

Expect Pratto and company to just beat out Japan in the championship game. In a ballgame with a plethora of runs scored, California takes home the championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.