Taiwan took a lead on the team from Lake Mary, Florida in the first inning of the championship game at the 2024 Little League World Series. Taiwan never trailed until the very last batter of the game, when a well-placed bunt and a big defensive miscue delivered Florida its first ever Little League World Series title.
Lake Mary beat Taiwan, 2-1 on Sunday night to cap a fantastic tournament. Florida also came from behind to win in the semifinals against a team from Texas.
Florida had multiple heroes in the victory, but none bigger than Hunter Alexander. Alexander stepped to the plate with the game tied 1-1 in the eighth inning. Florida’s Lathan Norton was placed on second base to start the frame, and he scored the game-winning run when Alexander laid down a perfect bunt. Alexander was just trying to get Norton to third base, but when the pitcher from Taiwan threw to an empty bag at first, he came all the way around for the walk-off win. Watch the dramatic final play here.
Little League World Series games are six innings, with an automatic runner starting on second if the game is still tied after the seventh inning.
Florida tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning when DeMarcos Mieses knocked in the game-tying run.
In a low scoring game, Florida also turned in some incredible plays defensively. None were better than this web gem by shortstop Chase Anderson:
Congratulations poured in for Lake Mary after the game, including from MLB:
What a win for Florida. The Little League World Series always delivered, and it happened again.