2026 Little League World Series: Curaçao's Jaymiëll Martina strikes out 12 in 4-0 win over Japan for international championship
Four errors by Japan in the third inning led to three runs, giving Martina all the runs he needed to win.
The 2026 Little League World Series concluded with the international title being decided on Saturday, and the U.S. champion to face Curaçao in the championship on Sunday. In a decisive 4-0 victory, Curaçao, led by pitcher Jaymiëll Martina, defeated Japan at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Japan's early threats came from singles by Tensei Yazawa and Yunosuke Yabe.
Martina walked Kei Kawanishi to load the bases, but struck out Ryosuke Takaoka and Taiga Yumitori, denying Japan runs. Yunosuke Yabe limited Japan to no hits in his initial two innings. Curaçao capitalized on multiple defensive errors by Japan, including hits off a dropped third strike, an errant throw, and a bunt, ultimately scoring three runs in the third inning.
Jaymiel Antonia reached base on a dropped third strike, followed by Nathanael Jansen advancing on a bunt and scoring on another error. Curaçao's run tally grew when Rui Tobata threw wide on a sacrifice bunt, allowing Jordan Richards to score. In the championship, Curaçao will contest against either the Henderson, Nevada, or Hamilton, Ohio teams in the LLWS World Series.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
