In the first inning of the final game of the 2024 Little League World Series, Taiwan took the lead against a team from Lake Mary, Florida. Taiwan never gave up the lead until the final batter of the game, and with some great bunts and big defensive errors, they gave Florida its first Little League World Series championship.
Lake Mary capped off a stellar tournament with a 2-1 win over Taiwan on Sunday night, while Florida also came from behind to beat a team from Texas in the semifinals.
Florida had many heroes in this victory, but none more so than Hunter Alexander. Alexander came to bat in the top of the eighth inning with the score tied at 1-1. Florida’s Lathan Norton advanced to second base in the inning, and Alexander executed a perfect bunt to score the winning run. Alexander was only trying to get Norton to third base, but as the Taiwanese pitcher threw to the vacant first base, Norton made his way back to third base and clinched the walk-off win. You can see the dramatic final play here.
Little League World Series games are played over six innings, and if the score is tied after the seventh inning, a runner automatically starts on second base.
Florida tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run-tying hit by DeMarcos Mises.
Though it was a low-scoring game, Florida played some great defensive plays, including this web-based gem from shortstop Chase Anderson.
Following the game, congratulations poured in for Lake Mary from many organizations, including MLB.
It was a great win for Florida, and as always, the Little League World Series was a great one this time around.
