Martina’s 12 Ks lift Curaçao over Japan and into Little League Baseball World Series championship

Jaymiëll Martina delivered a dominant performance, striking out 12 batters and driving in a run as Curaçao secured a 4-0 victory over Japan on Saturday. This triumph marked Curaçao's sixth appearance in the Little League Baseball World Series Championship, now spanning the nation's history. During the game, Martina pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks.

His performance culminated in a flawless ending, as he left the mound with two outs in the top of the sixth inning, eliciting a standing ovation from the crowd, including the Japanese fans sitting along the third base line.

Curaçao's offensive firepower included Giendry Ryan, who contributed to the victory alongside Martina. Together, they no-hit Japan in a previous round of the double-elimination tournament. The Curaçao team, representing Willemstad, displayed a strong showing, tallying 23 runs against just 3 runs given up in their four games. The team secured its third win in the last five years against a U.S. team at Lamade Stadium. The U.S. championship finale is set for later Saturday between Nevada and Ohio.