The Florida Little League team pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over Taiwan in the Little League World Series championship game on Sunday, clinching the title with a dramatic walk-off bunt in the eighth inning.
Taiwan had kept Florida scoreless for nearly six innings, holding a 1-0 lead until Florida managed to tie the game in the sixth. With the game extending into extra innings, Florida took advantage of the LLWS rule that places a runner on second base at the start of the eighth inning. Hunter Alexander laid down a bunt to advance the runner, but a defensive miscue left first base uncovered, allowing the winning run to score as the ball rolled into the outfield.
The victory marked the first-ever LLWS title for the team from Lake Mary, Florida, breaking a streak of eight trips to the finals without a win. Taiwan, which has 17 LLWS titles, was denied its 18th championship and first since 1996.
Taiwan struck first in the opening inning, but Florida’s defense and pitching held them at bay for the remainder of the game. Despite multiple scoring opportunities, Florida struggled to capitalize until the final innings. After sending the game into extras, Florida’s perseverance paid off with their walk-off win, capping off a run of five consecutive elimination game victories.
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