U.S. claim little league world series

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Cody Walker hit a two-run home run as
Columbus, Georgia defeated Kawaguchi City, Japan 2-1 to win the
Little League World Series on Monday.

Pitcher Kyle Carter struck out 11 batters in South
Williamsport, Pa. to help an American team win the little
league championship for the second straight year.

It was the first back-to-back titles for American teams
since a one from Long Beach, California won in 1992-93,
although the first was won only after a Philippines team was
disqualified for using over-aged players.

Carter, 12, starred throughout the tournament featuring the
world’s best youth players, becoming the only pitcher in series
history to win four games.

Kawaguchi’s Go Matsumoto also pitched a strong game,
striking out nine and walking two, and drove in his team’s lone
run with a third-inning single.

(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto)