50/70 Little League World Series a Major League Hit

This is the SportStars one-stop hub for our week-long coverage of the Intermediate Little League World Series in Livermore.

Japan left little doubt.

The Izumisano Little League All-Stars from Osaka, Japan, were the most complete team in the inaugural Intermediate 50/70 Little League World Series held in Livermore from July 30-Aug. 5.

And it showed in every game they played.

Japan entered the World Series final on Aug. 5 having won the International half of the tournament by outscoring opponents 41-3. So it was no surprise that after three tightly-contested innings, the relentless Izumisano lineup rallied for seven runs in the top of the fourth — all seven runs scored before the East Region All-Stars (Collier Township, PA.) had recorded an out.

Leading 8-0 after four innings was more than enough cushion for Japan starting pitcher Taisei Shimabe, and Japan cruised to a 10-1 victory.

Shimabe held Pennsylvania to just 3 hits over the first six innings. He lost the shutout in the bottom of the seventh, but still earned the complete game victory. He allowed one earned run on six hits, struck out six and walked none.

Offensively, Japan had six different players with at least one RBI. Shortstop Shinta Usami — who also had a magnificent game in the field — led the offense by going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI.

Ian Hess was the only East player to pick up two hits, going 2-for-3 and scoring the team’s lone run. Hunter Gordon went 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Below is SportStars foul line-to-foul line coverage of the entire tournament.

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Access the full schedule and box scores HERE

STORIES/FEATURES

AUG. 4
Penn. Is Mightier— The East All-Stars of Collier Township, PA., win the U.S. tournament. 

Aug. 2
Southwest takes control — The boys from Houston are one win from the WS final; Pleasanton and East (PA.) are still alive 

Aug. 1
And then there were 7… — SSM breaks down the first two U.S. pool elimination games of the tournament.

July 18
Livermore or BUST — Our Issue #69 cover story preview of the 50/70 Division and it’s World Series coming to Livermore.
Taking Home — Our Pleasanton National team preview, which also ran in the pages of Issue #69.

PHOTO GALLERIES

July 30
Day 1 Action — Images from the first three games, featuring Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Southwest (Texas), East (Pennsylvania), Asian-Pacific (Japan) and Canada (Lethbridge, ALB.).
Day 1 Pleasanton National — Images of Evan Wolfe, who hurled a 5-inning perfect game to lead the District 57 hosts past Central (Michigan).
International Final — Images from Japan’s 12-2 win over Puerto Rico on Aug. 4
U.S. Final — Images from the East’s 5-4 win over Southwest on Aug. 4
NEW POST! Little League WS Final — Images from Japan’s 10-1 win over East (PA.) on Aug. 5.

VIDEO

Aug. 1
East (Collier Township, PA.) vs. West (Nogales, AZ.) — Steve Alauzen spanks an RBI-single to right for a sixth-inning insurance run.