Curaçao wins Little League World Series, beating Nevada 11-2 behind De Windt and De Lanoi

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — In a thrilling matchup, Curaçao Little Leaguers claimed victory over Nevada in the Little League World Series championship game, defeating their U.S. opponents 11-2. The winning duo consisted of Juriënsly De Windt on the mound and Shardijon De Lanoi at bat.

De Windt yielded just two earned runs over three innings, while Ryan and Felix sealed the game with flawless relief pitching in the final three innings. De Windt started strong, allowing two runs but none earned in his initial three innings. Ryan and Felix combined for four strikeouts in relief, finessing Nevada's final batter to pop out to De Windt in center field.

Curaçao's remarkable run of success in the tournament included wins in 2005, 2019, 2022, and 2023. They had dominated the double-elimination tournament prior to this championship game, maintaining an unbeaten record. De Lanoi drove in three crucial runs, while De Windt added a game-winning double in the fifth inning.

The island nation's coach, Railison Gijsbertha, expressed delight at his players' hard work and disciplined lifestyle throughout the two-week preparation period. Fans from the United States began wearing Curaçao's signature navy blue and yellow hats, further boosting the team's morale. Both Curaçao and Nevada share the distinction of being the runner-up in the previous year's championship game.