Curaçao shuts out Japan 4-0 to win Little League international championship

WILLIAMSPORT – Curaçao is one win away from global Little League glory. Pariba Little League defeated Japan 4-0 Saturday in the International Championship of the 2026 Little League World Series, powered by a dominant performance from pitcher Jaymiëll Martina, who struck out 12 Japanese batters.

The victory crowned Curaçao international champion and secured the Caribbean team a place in the Little League World Series championship game in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Martina was the central figure throughout the game. From the first inning, the Curaçao pitcher showed both power and control, striking out three Japanese hitters while escaping an early threat with runners on base.

Japan never found a consistent answer.

Martina continued to dominate over the following innings, including an outstanding third inning in which he struck out all three batters he faced.

Curaçao broke the game open in the bottom of the third.

Jaymiel Antonia reached safely following a dropped third strike before a series of bunts and Japanese defensive mistakes turned the inning decisively in Curaçao's favor.

Nathanael Jansen put the ball in play with a bunt, and an error by pitcher Yunosuke Yabe allowed Antonia to score the first run.

Jordan Richards then bunted and reached safely when catcher Kei Kawanishi committed another error, allowing Jansen to score for a 2-0 lead.

Another defensive mistake, this time by first baseman Rui Tobata on a bunt by Juriënsly De Windt, brought Richards home and made it 3-0.

Japan committed several costly mistakes during the third inning, and Curaçao took full advantage.

Curaçao added another run in the fourth.

Giendry Ryan opened with a single and advanced following a sacrifice bunt by V-dien Ignacio Lindo. Martina then helped his own cause by ripping a double to center field, scoring Ryan and extending the lead to 4-0.

The hit capped an exceptional all-around performance from Martina, who was controlling the game both on the mound and at the plate.

Japan managed to put runners on base at different stages of the game but was unable to produce the decisive hit needed to mount a comeback.

In the fifth, Martina struck out two more batters while keeping Japan scoreless.

Japan put Hiroto Yokote on base after he was hit by a pitch in the final inning, but Curaçao's relief pitching finished the job. Ryunosuke Maeda eventually grounded into a fielder's choice to shortstop Zha-djir Janga, producing the final out.

Final score: Curaçao 4, Japan 0.

The win gives Curaçao the International Championship and sends Pariba Little League into the Little League World Series championship game against the United States champion.

For Curaçao, the dream is now within reach.

After shutting out one of youth baseball's traditional powers, only one game separates the boys from Pariba Little League from becoming world champions.