The kids of Ocean View, California are on a dream run, and that dream is not going to stop until they are crowned 2011 Little League World Series champions.
For the most part, California has routed their way to the finals. They have only played two close games. One, a 1-0 extra inning loss to Montana and then a 2-0 win in their following game against hometown Keystone, PA.
Over the course of this tournament, California has proven they can win a game with big offense or stifling pitching. Despite their great offense, California's dominance starts with their pitching staff.
They have allowed just three runs in five games. They pitched shutouts in three of five games. The only runs they allowed were to Montana. One on a extra innings walk off home run that came in California's only loss, and then two more in their 11-2 rout over Montana in the US Championship game.
Haggen Danner and Nick Pratto are both good enough to be considered the staff's ace. Pratto stated in the rematch against Montana and was efficient in striking out ten. Danner was dominant the game before that as he shutdown Pennsylvania by striking out 12.
And they are not the only quality arms on this team. Braydon Salzman is good enough to be considered an ace on almost any other staff. Salzmen has pitched a shutout of his own in this run. He threw a complete game against Rhode Island in an 11-0 win.
They clearly aren't limited to great pitching. In every game except their 1-0 loss to Montana, California's offense has reaced double digits in runs. They have scored those runs with a mix of small ball and big ball.
This team can beat you with home runs, and they can also use singles, bunting and good base running to manufacture runs.
Japan is simply unequipped to match this dominance. They have allowed 12 runs in this tournament, and only they have only hit the double digit run number in two contests.
California will win this game by at least five runs.
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