Chinese Taipei once again proved its dominance in international youth baseball with a narrow 1-0 win over Aruba in the International Championship of the 2025 Little League World Series (LLWS). The game, played at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, was a tense duel marked by strong defense from both sides.
A single run was enough to seal the game, sending Chinese Taipei to the World Championship to face the U.S. champion, Nevada.
A Tight and Nerve-Wracking Match
From the first pitch, both teams played cautiously. Aruba displayed resilience, holding off repeated attempts from Chinese Taipei. The decisive moment came in the third inning when Muhammad Zaman hit a grounder, allowing Chen Shi-Hong to sprint home from third base. A misthrow from Aruba’s defense gave Taipei the only run of the game.
That run stood until the final inning despite Aruba’s determined push to equalize. Taipei’s solid defense denied every chance.
Pitching Dominance Sealed the Game
The victory was built on excellent pitching. Liu Wei-Heng started the game and kept Aruba scoreless deep into the late innings. When pressure mounted in the sixth, manager brought in Chen Qi-Sheng as a reliever. He held his nerve, striking out Prinze Kingsale in a decisive moment that preserved the 1-0 lead.
This pitching masterclass turned the game into what many described as a true pitchers’ duel.
Aruba’s Fighting Spirit
Despite the loss, Aruba’s performance throughout LLWS 2025 was commendable. The Caribbean team advanced to the international final by overcoming several strong opponents. Their fighting spirit until the very last inning showed the grit and determination of a team unwilling to give up.
Aruba is also scheduled to play Fairfield National from Connecticut in the third-place consolation game, offering them a chance to close their campaign on a positive note.
Nevada Awaits in the World Final
In the U.S. bracket, Summerlin South from Nevada dominated Fairfield National with a convincing 8-2 victory. Garrett Gallegos was the standout, delivering eight strikeouts, a home run, and key offensive contributions.
With the win, Nevada secured a spot in the World Championship against Chinese Taipei. The highly anticipated final is scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET (see CBS Sports coverage).
Aiming for History
For Chinese Taipei, the win over Aruba opens the door to a long-awaited milestone. They are chasing their first LLWS title since 1996, which would also mark their 18th championship in history.
The 2025 LLWS has showcased the growing parity in global youth baseball, with Asian, Caribbean, and U.S. teams all demonstrating strong discipline and high-quality play.
Conclusion
The International Championship clash between Chinese Taipei and Aruba at the 2025 LLWS was proof of how thrilling youth baseball can be. With a narrow 1-0 scoreline, Chinese Taipei combined disciplined pitching, smart base running, and effective strategy to secure their place in the final.
All eyes now turn to the World Championship against Nevada. The question remains: will Chinese Taipei break a nearly three-decade drought, or will Nevada claim a historic victory for U.S. baseball?
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