Florida clinched its first-ever Little League World Series title in dramatic fashion, defeating Taiwan 2-1 in an extra-innings thriller on Sunday. The victory came on a chaotic walk-off bunt, capping a tense game that saw Taiwan dominate the early innings before Florida rallied in the final moments.

Taiwan started strong, keeping Florida off the scoreboard for nearly six innings. In the first inning, Taiwan took a 1-0 lead after Hu Yen-Chun’s single drove in Chiu Wei-Che, following two walks by Florida pitcher Jacob Bibaud. Despite loading the bases, Taiwan couldn’t add more runs, and Florida escaped the inning with only a one-run deficit.

Florida struggled offensively in the early innings, repeatedly leaving runners stranded. Taiwan’s starting pitcher, Ciou Zhi-Kai, walked two batters in the first inning but struck out DeMarcos Mieses to escape unscathed. Florida had a golden opportunity in the second inning with the bases loaded and no outs, but a double play and a strikeout kept them from scoring. Taiwan continued to frustrate Florida, who left runners in scoring position in the third and fourth innings.

In the fifth inning, Taiwan threatened to extend their lead with runners on second and third and only one out. Florida brought in Lathan Norton to replace Bibaud on the mound, and Norton walked the first batter to load the bases. However, he managed to induce two flyouts to keep the score at 1-0, giving Florida hope heading into the final inning.

Down to their last out in the bottom of the sixth, Florida finally broke through. Chase Anderson was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and after a two-out walk, Mieses stepped up and delivered a clutch single to shallow left field, allowing Anderson to score from second base. Taiwan then secured the third out, sending the game into extra innings.

In the eighth inning, Little League rules placed a runner on second base to start the inning. Florida’s Hunter Alexander laid down a bunt to advance the runner, but chaos ensued when Taiwan failed to cover first base. The throw sailed into the outfield, allowing the winning run to score and securing Florida’s historic 2-1 victory.

This win marked Florida’s first title in nine appearances at the Little League World Series finals, denying Taiwan its 18th championship and first since 1996. Despite the heartbreaking loss, both teams showed tremendous sportsmanship, sharing hugs and handshakes on the field after the game.