Jaymiëll Martina shines with 12 strikeouts and an RBI double in dominant performance
Category: Sports
Curaçao secured a spot in the Little League Baseball World Series Championship by defeating Japan 4-0 on August 29, 2026, at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Jaymiëll Martina led the charge with a stellar performance, pitching 5⅔ innings, during which he struck out 12 batters and allowed only two hits and two walks.
This victory marks the sixth time Curaçao has advanced to the championship game, highlighting the team’s consistent success on the international stage. The match showcased Curaçao's dominance throughout the tournament and Japan's resilience, as they fought back through the elimination bracket to reach this final showdown.
Martina's performance was the highlight of the game. He struck out the side in the first inning, setting the tone for what would be a remarkable outing. After Japan loaded the bases in the first inning, Martina managed to escape the jam by fanning the next two batters, a moment that shifted momentum firmly in Curaçao's favor. From that point on, Japan struggled to find their rhythm against the hard-throwing ace.
In the bottom of the third inning, Curaçao capitalized on four errors by Japan, allowing them to score three runs. This offensive breakthrough was complemented by Martina's RBI double in the fourth inning, extending the lead to 4-0. Giendry Ryan, who had previously combined with Martina to no-hit Japan in an earlier match, recorded the final out, sealing the shutout victory for Curaçao.
Before this championship match, Curaçao had been on a tear, outscoring their opponents 19-3 in the tournament, including a notable 6-0 shutout against Japan in their first encounter. This earlier victory set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch, as Japan sought redemption after their opening loss. Japan's path to the championship was marked by determination, having won five consecutive elimination games after their initial defeat.
The game on August 29 was broadcast live on ABC and streamed on various platforms, including FuboTV and DirecTV. Fans were eager to witness which team would emerge as the international champion, with Curaçao remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. The matchup drew attention for its competitive nature and for the sportsmanship displayed by both teams, particularly in the way fans from Japan acknowledged Martina's performance with applause as he exited the mound.
Curaçao’s victory sets them up for a championship showdown against the winner of the U.S. finals between Ohio and Nevada, scheduled for August 30, 2026. This matchup will take place just a day after Curaçao’s triumph, adding to the excitement surrounding the Little League World Series.
As for Martina, his pitching duties came to an end after he reached the Little League pitch limit of 86 pitches. Postgame, he was seen with his right shoulder wrapped in ice, a reminder of the effort he put forth during the game. His performance has not only secured a spot in the championship but has also solidified his reputation as a key player for Curaçao.
With the championship game on the horizon, Curaçao is looking to claim their second title in Little League history, following their previous win in 2022. The team's ability to combine strong pitching with effective batting has made them a formidable opponent throughout the tournament, and they will be looking to continue that trend in the final match.
The culmination of the Little League World Series is set for August 30, 2026, at 3 p.m. Eastern, where the international champion Curaçao will face either Ohio or Nevada for the title.