South Korea powered past Jackie Robinson West to win the Little League World Series. The Asia-Pacific Region champions built an 8-1 lead before the Chicago team rallied late, only to fall by a final score of 8-4.
Jackie Robinson West, the champions of the Great Lakes Region, edged out a team from Nevada 7-5 in the United States Championship game to earn their spot in the title game, while South Korea dominated Japan 12-3, notes ESPN.
South Korea already had a 4-1 lead when they came to bat in the top of the sixth and final inning. They would add four runs of insurance during their last time at bat, which turned out to be crucial. The bats of the boys from Illinois woke up in the bottom of the sixth, as they were able to string together a few hits to keep the fans watching on in Williamsport, PA. interested. After driving in two runs, Darion Radcliff scored on a past ball to cut South Korea's lead to 8-4, notes Pennlive.com. However, that would be as close as they would get. Some impressive defense on the part of South Korea, which they had become known for during the tournament, helped cut the U.S. champs rally short.
The game marked the end of a Little League World Series that saw record television ratings, due in large part to female pitcher Mo'ne Davis. Davis became the first girl pitcher to ever win a game at the LLWS, which led to her being the first little leaguer to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.