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Little League World Series highlights: Florida, Venezuela advance

elizabeth flores and jon hoefling, usa today
·16-min read
Aug 22, 2024; Williamsport, PA, USA; Latin America Region infielder Jose Perez (16) celebrates with infielder Diego Biarreta (19) after the game against Japan at Lamade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2024; Williamsport, PA, USA; Latin America Region infielder Jose Perez (16) celebrates with infielder Diego Biarreta (19) after the game against Japan at Lamade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

The Little League World Series continued on Thursday with a couple of fantastic games.

The first game featured Japan, who was looking to bounce back from a loss to Chinese Taipei, but fell to Venezuela 3-2. Venezuela will face Chinese Taipei in the international championship game on Saturday.

The T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby took place between Thursday's games. It allowed the top players to step onto the field and swing like the professional players they admire. This special opportunity allows kids from all over the country to represent their community on the biggest stage in Little League.

According to Little League, the home run derby "is set to take place at Volunteer Stadium on Thursday, August 22, at 5 p.m. ET and will then be aired on ESPN2 on Friday, August 23, at 7 p.m. ET."

Follow live for all the Little League World Series action on Thursday, Aug. 23.

2024 Little League World Series: Results, schedules, how to watch and stream

Florida 6, Nevada 3

Florida is set for a rematch with Texas following their win over Nevada in the U.S. semifinals. Teraj Alexander was excellent on the mound for Florida, not allowing a single run through 3.2 innings of work. He was removed with two outs left in the bottom of the sixth after surrendering a base hit to Caleb Gomez.

JJ Feliciano came in to finish Nevada off. With the tying run at the plate, Feliciano got Russell McGee to fly out to Liam Morrissey in center.

The U.S. championship game is set for Saturday, August 24.

Garrett Rohozen matches Feliciano

Feliciano hit his second home run of the LLWS earlier in this game, but his teammate Rohozen was not to be outdone. With one out in the top of the sixth, Rohozen drilled the first pitch he saw beyond the left field wall. Florida now leads 6-3.

Nevada goes down in order

Teraj Alexander has been untouchable since coming into the game. The bottom of the fifth inning was no different. Alexander, who has been one of the most likable players in the tournament, dominated Nevada in a three-up, three-down inning. Heading into the sixth, Florida leads 5-3.

Russell McGee with solid fifth

There isn't much time for Nevada to comeback against Florida. With only six outs to work with, Nevada pitcher Russell McGee has had to be lights out. In the fifth, he was, surrendering just one baserunner and striking out two hitters. Heading into the bottom of the fifth, it's 5-3 Florida.

Teraj Alexander with great fourth after taking comebacker

The fourth inning got off to a less-than-optimal start for Florida pitcher Teraj Alexander, after he took a comebacker off the leg and made an errant throw to first, allowing the Nevada runner to reach second. Alexander was noticeably shaken up after that hit, but that didn't stop him from going three-up, three-down afterwards. Florida maintains their 5-3 lead heading into the fifth.

Dominic Laino robs Florida of another home run

Florida nearly tacked on another run after Landon Bono launched a deep fly ball to right field. Fortunately for Nevada, right fielder Dominic Laino was there to snag the ball just before it got over the wall. Florida's lead remains 5-3 heading into the bottom of the third.

JJ Feliciano with a shot to left

JJ Feliciano has been one of Florida's best players throughout the LLWS, and he delivered in a big way for his team in the top of the third. Feliciano drilled his second home run of the tournament to give Florida a 5-3 lead with only one out in the top of the third.

McGee and Norton trade stellar second innings

After rocky first innings for both starting pitchers, each of them calmed down and delivered tremendous second innings for their teams. It remains 4-3 Florida heading into the top of the third.

Error gives Nevada second run

An uncommon error from Florida third baseman Garrett Rohozen gave Nevada their second run. Rohozen was gifted a textbook double play ball, but it skipped under his glove and into the outfield.

Nevada's Parker Soronaka would deliver a sac fly one pitch later. It's 4-3 Florida with one out in the bottom of the first.

Check swing delivers Nevada's first run

After loading the bases with no outs, mirroring what Florida was able to accomplish in the top of the first, Oliver Johnson drove in Nevada's first runs on a check swing.

The ball blooped over the shortstop's head into shallow left field. The runner on second rounded third, but ultimately went back to the base.

Nevada looking strong as well

After a rocky top of the first, Nevada has answered back quickly. With Russell McGee delivering a double down the left field line. Two batters in and Nevada has runners on second and third with no outs with Wyatt Erickson up at the plate.

Florida gets on the board early

The change to Russell McGee did not help ease Nevada's woes. McGee surrendered two consecutive singles to right field. DJ Mieses and Landon Bono drove in everyone that was on base when McGee came in, making it 3-0, but Florida wasn't done.

Jacob Bibaub would drive Bono home with a single to left. We haven't seen a single out in this game and already Florida leads 4-0.

Nevada with a pitching change already

Nevada's starting pitcher could not find his stuff today and allowed each of Florida's first three baserunners to reach base via walk. In fact, not a single Florida batter even swung the bat and all three reached base.

Nevada has opted to go with Russell McGee to hold down the fort and limit Florida's damage.

What happened in the LLWS Home Run Derby?

The LLWS Home Run Derby started at 5 p.m. ET with eight contestants from this year's tournament competing for the crown. The full list of contestants can be found here.

Unfortunately, although the event took place today, the event will not be aired until tomorrow, August 23 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The reason for the delay is that there will be no LLWS games played tomorrow. Fans looking to get more LLWS action can watch the Home Run Derby when no other games are being played.

Florida's path to this point

Nevada has played just three games to reach this point. Florida, meanwhile, has had a much harder path. After winning their first two games by a combined score of 8-2, Florida would run in to powerhouse Texas who defeated Florida 4-1. That put Florida in the loser's bracket, where they'd have to take down New York and Hawaii to stay alive in the tournament. All that has put them in position to get a rematch against Texas should they win tonight.

Nevada's path to this point

Nevada has been one of the biggest surprises in this year's tournament, and they've reached this point with remarkable pitching. This team has scored more than three runs only once this whole tournament, but they've yet to surrender more than five.

This team started the tournament with their biggest win, defeating the New York team 9-1. Game 2 was much tougher as Hawaii gave Nevada everything they could handle as Nevada barely won 3-2. In their most recent game though, Texas was able to get to Nevada's pitching winning 5-2.

When is next LLWS game?

With the LLWS winding down, there are fewer games for us to enjoy each day. The only other game on tap for today is the U.S. semifinals between Nevada and Florida. Florida has won two straight games in the loser's bracket and looks to advance to the U.S. finals against Texas. Meanwhile, Nevada just suffered their first loss of the tournament to none other than Texas and hopes to face them in a rematch scheduled for Saturday.

The game between Nevada and Florida is set for 7 p.m. ET tonight.

Venezuela defeats Japan 3-2

Venezuela holds off Japan just enough to defeat them 3-2 and advance to the International Championship where they will face Chinese Taipei on Saturday.

Japan continues strong on the field

Japan's strong defense has been the theme every time they take the field. They did it once again by holding off Venezuela scoreless in the top of the sixth. Japan needs one run to tie and two runs to win.

Venezuela returns the strong defense

Venezuela follows Japan's lead and swiftly dismisses Japan's batters in the bottom of the fifth without tying the score. Venezuela is ahead 3-2 going into the sixth.

Japan holds Venezuela in the fifth

Japan maintains defensive momentum and prevents Venezuela from scoring in the top of the fifth inning.

Japan responds and scores in the 4th

After being hit by a pitch, a Japanese player reaches first base. The next batter hits a ball to the outfield, landing between the center and right fielders, and records a double. Japan scored after a bases-loaded walk, which helped them get back into the game.

An infield single gets Japan a second run to make it 3-2, heading to the top of the fifth.

Venezuela gets on the board first

Venezuela gained momentum with back-to-back triples and scored three runs to take the lead. They almost scored a fourth run, but Japan's right outfielder made a timely catch at the wall for the third out. Venezuela leads 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.

Defense a theme for both teams

Defense remains the highlight of the game as Japan holds Venezuela scoreless at the top of the third.

Venezuela saves a run in the 2nd

With two outs and two Japanese runners on base, Venezuela's second baseman quickly gets an infield hit and throws it to the first baseman to get the runner out, saving a run in a game where every run counts.

Japan's quick top of the 2nd action

Japan dismisses three Venezuelan batters quickly to end the top of the second inning. Japan is up to bat in the bottom of the second inning.

Venezuela holds Japan scoreless

Japan was able to get some players on base, but a mistake by the final batter, who mistook a strike for a ball, led to the players on base attempting to advance. A throw to third base resulted in Venezuela getting their third out.

Japan dismisses three batters in the 1st inning

Japan enters the game with determination after losing to Chinese Taipei the day before. They quickly dismiss three consecutive Venezuela batters in the top of the first inning.

2024 Little League World Series: Time, TV, streaming and how to watch

All 39 games of the Little League World Series will be broadcast on one of ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC, with streaming options including ESPN+, the ESPN app and Fubo, which offers a free trial. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET.

HOW TO WATCH: Catch the Little League World Series with a Fubo subscription

When is the LLWS Home Run Derby?

The sixth annual Little League World Series Home Run Derby will be held on August 22 at 5 p.m. ET. Tune in to ESPN2 to watch the action on Friday, August 23.

What is the LLWS Home Run Derby format?

The Little League World Series Home Run Derby format is straightforward: each participant will receive 1 minute and 30 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible. Any fair balls that land over the fence in fair territory will be considered a home run. However, any balls that land on the chalk or cone line will not be counted as a home run.

All home runs must land before the next pitch is thrown. Any pitch that is thrown before the prior ball lands will not be counted as a home run. After the first round, the top 10 participants will advance to the second round.

In the second round, the 10 participants will have 1 minute and 30 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible. The batting order will be determined by the number of home runs that were hit in the first round, with the participant who hit the lowest total number of home runs batting first. The top five participants with the most total home runs will advance to the final round.

In the final round, the top five participants will each receive 1 minute and 30 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible. The batting order will be determined by the second round, with the participant having the lowest total number of home runs hitting first. At the end of the final round, the participant with the most total home runs will be crowned the T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby Champion.

What teams remain at the LLWS?

  • Chinese Taipei

  • Japan

  • Venezuela

  • Texas

  • Florida

  • Nevada

Little League World Series schedule and bracket:

(All times in ET)

Wednesday, Aug. 14:

  • Game 1: Mexico 2, Caribbean 0

  • Game 2: West 3, New England 1

  • Game 3: Asia-Pacific 8, Canada 0

  • Game 4: Southeast 2, Midwest 1

Thursday, Aug. 15:

  • Game 5: Japan 11, Puerto Rico 0

  • Game 6: Mountain 9, Metro 1

  • Game 7: Cuba 4, Europe-Africa 1

  • Game 8: Southwest 9, Mid-Atlantic 0

Friday, Aug. 16:

  • Game 9: Latin America 10, Mexico 0

  • Game 10: West 5, Great Lakes 0

  • Game 11: Asia-Pacific 11, Australia 0

  • Game 12: southeast 6, Northwest 1

Saturday, Aug. 17:

  • Game 13: Canada 12, Puerto 5

  • Game 14: Metro 6, Midwest 3

  • Game 15: Caribbean 8, Europe-Africa 3

  • Game 16: Mid-Atlantic 5, New England 0

Sunday, Aug. 18:

  • Game 17: Metro 4, Great Lakes 0

  • Game 18: Mexico 8, Canada 0

  • Game 19: Mid-Atlantic 12, Northwest 2

Monday, Aug. 19:

  • Game 20: Caribbean 11, Australia 0

  • Game 21: Japan 2, Latin America 1

  • Game 22: Mountain 3, West 2

  • Game 23: Asia-Pacific 10, Cuba 2

  • Game 24: Southwest 4, Southeast 1

Tuesday, Aug. 20:

  • Game 25: Latin America 2, Caribbean 1

  • Game 26: West 3, Mid-Atlantic 1

  • Game 27: Mexico 6, Cuba 4

  • Game 28: Southeast 6, Metro 1

Wednesday, Aug. 21:

  • Game 29: Chinese Taipei 3, Japan 1

  • Game 30: Texas 5, Nevada 2

  • Game 31: Mexico vs. Venezuela on ESPN

  • Game 32: Florida vs. Hawai'i on ESPN

Thursday, Aug. 22:

  • Game 33 on ESPN

  • T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby

  • Game 34 on ESPN

Friday, Aug. 23:

  • 7 p.m. T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby airing on ESPN

Saturday, Aug. 24:

  • International Championship: Chinese Taipei vs TBD on ABC at 12:30 p.m.

  • U.S. Championship on ABC at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 25:

  • Consolation Game on ESPN2 at 10 a.m.

  • World Series Championship on ABC at 3 p.m.

When is the LLWS championship game?

The Little League World Series (LLWS) championship game is scheduled for Sunday, August 25th at 3 p.m. ET. The third-place consolation game is set to take place the same day at 10 a.m. ET.

The international and U.S. championship games, serving as the semifinals to Sunday's championship game, will take place on Saturday, August 24 at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. ET.

How does the Little League World Series work?

The Little League World Series is divided into two brackets: the United States bracket and the international bracket. Each bracket will conduct its own individual tournament, and the winner from each bracket will face off in the championship.

The U.S. and international brackets are double-elimination brackets. This means that a team can still advance in a separate elimination bracket even after losing its first game. The winner of the elimination bracket then plays against the winner of the winners' bracket in the U.S. or international final for the opportunity to compete in the LLWS championship.

In other words, a team must be defeated twice to be eliminated from the tournament.

Little League World Series: Aug. 22 schedule

Thursday's action begins at 3 p.m., here's a rundown of the games including the T-Mobile Home Run Derby:

All times Eastern.

  • Chinese Taipei vs. Venezuela, 3 p.m. | Lamade Stadium | ESPN

  • The T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby, 5 p.m. | Volunteer Stadium | ESPN

  • Florida vs. Nevada, 7 p.m. | Lamade Stadium | ESPN

Watch: Follow Sunday's LLWS games with an ESPN+ subscription

The 2024 U.S. Regional Champions

The 2024 International Regional Champions

Past Little League World Series results

In recent years, teams from the United States have been very successful in the Little League World Series, winning the last five championships since 2017. The most recent international team to win the tournament was Japan, who defeated Lufkin, Texas 12-2 in the 2017 final, which lasted just five innings.

List of past winners:

Results date back to 2010 LLWS.

  • 2023: El Segundo, Calif.

  • 2022: Honolulu

  • 2021: Taylor, Mich.

  • 2020: Canceled due to COVID

  • 2019: River Ridge, La.

  • 2018: Honolulu

  • 2017: Tokyo

  • 2016: Maine-Endwell, N.Y.

  • 2015: Tokyo

  • 2014: Seoul, South Korea

  • 2013: Tokyo

  • 2012: Tokyo

  • 2011: Huntington Beach, Calif.

  • 2010: Tokyo

LLWS bracket and schedule

Here is the full 2024 LLWS bracket, courtesy of the Little League World Series:

Aug 21, 2024; Williamsport, PA, USA; Japan pitcher Yuki Tsuji (18) throws a pitch against Asia-Pacific Region in the third inning at Volunteer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2024; Williamsport, PA, USA; Japan pitcher Yuki Tsuji (18) throws a pitch against Asia-Pacific Region in the third inning at Volunteer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Little League World Series: Florida, Venezuela advance