Taiwan celebrates after getting the final out of the International Championship baseball game against Venezuela at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Chinese Taipei took on Venezuela in the Little League World Series international championship game Saturday morning with the chance to compete for a world title on the line.

Chinese Taipei is no stranger to the Little League World Series tournaments, having success throughout the decades, and found itself once again vying for a world title after a 4-1 win against Venezuela, the Latin America Regional champions, on Saturday at Lamade Stadium.

Throughout the tournament in South Williamsport, Chinese Taipei was undefeated while, Venezuela was knocked into the losers’ bracket by Japan, but was able to battle back to make it to the championship game.

“I’m extremely happy that I am able to come back and this time and not only stop here but were able to go to tomorrow’s championship game thanks to a good performance from our pitcher Lai and how he is able to control the opponent and hold the team together. That is why we had a w, the win” Chinese Taipei manager Lee Chang-Ta stated through a translator.

Chinese Taipei was able to strike first and early in the top of the first when leadoff batter Chiu Wei-Che was able to draw a walk to start off the inning. Wei-Che was able to round the bases on a walk from Ciou Zhi-Kai and a sacrfice fly from Yu Chia-Jui to land at third base.

During the next batter a wild pitch allowed Wei-Che to cross home giving the Asia-Pacific champions a 1-0 lead.

“Both teams team batting performance was not that good because the pitching for both sides was really good and to be patient in the box, and on the field and not give out as many walks as the other team and that is what made the big difference” Lee Chang-Ta said.

The bottom of the first inning showed Lai Cheng-Xi taking the mound for Chinese Taipei. Lai Cheng-Xi became the player of the game going five strong innings, throwing 87 pitches and recording and impressive 12 strikeouts against a talented Venezuela lineup.

“I am extremely happy especially at each stage, I mostly want to thank my coach, my family, all the fans, and the team. With the team I am really able to perform, and I really appreciate the team” Lai Cheng-Xi commented on his performance on the mound on Saturday.

Venezuela starting pitcher Luis Yepez went three innings, throwing 63 pitches striking out four players along the way. Yepez made the play of the game in the third inning when Yu Teng-Hao hit the pitch right back to the pitchers mound, Yepez was able to quickly react and catch the ball.

That same inning Chinese Taipei was able to score two more runs on another past ball and a bases loaded walk now making the score 3-0. Taipei was able to add one more run in the fifth off of an RBI double from Chiu Wei-Che.

Venezuela wasn’t going to give Chinese Taipei the shutout, however, as they were able to score in the sixth inning thanks to an RBI ground out from Santiago Bello. Chiu Wei-Che came in to pitch in the sixth inning and was able to keep the pace going from Lai Cheng-Xi.

Chiu helped record the final two outs by putting the ball in play. The final out came from Chui himself when a ground ball came back to him, he was able to throw out the runner at first and then went to celebrate with his team.

“I also tell myself to calm down and not to get nervous as well as, just throwing strikes knowing that my team will be there to make the outs defensively” Chui Wei-Che stated.