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Columbus wins it all!

Columbus, Ga., Wins Little League Title

Cody Walker hit a two-run homer off ace Go Matsumoto, Ryan Carter struck out 11, and Columbus, Ga., beat Kawaguchi City, Japan, 2-1 to win the Little League World Series championship game on Monday.

It was the second straight American victory in the Series, coming on the heels of Ewa Beach, Hawaii's win over a team from Willemstad, Curacao last year. The United States hadn't captured back-to-back Little League titles with different teams since 1982-83 when Kirkland, Wash., and Marietta, Ga., celebrated in Williamsport.

Long Beach, Calif., was a repeat champion in 1992-93 — the first victory awarded after a Phillipines squad was stripped of the title for using over-age players.

Matsumoto had devastated hitters in this tournament with his powerful fastball. It was potent again for him on Monday, except for Walker's shot in the third inning that followed a baserunning blunder.

Carter overcame a bout of wildness in the sixth and final inning. With two runners on, he got Ryoya Sato to hit a weak bouncer to Josh Lester at second for the last out of the game.

That prompted the Georgia-leaning crowd to erupt in cheers, chant "USA! USA!" and wave American flags. Columbus players rushed toward Lester, skipping up and down in celebration and tossing their gloves to the sky.

Then they posed on the mound for a group picture with a banner that proclaimed them "World Series Champions" as their gloves were strewn across the infield.

Columbus, Ga. winning pitcher Kyle Carter, left, starts to celebrate with teammate Josh Lester after winning the Little League World Series Championship over Kawaguchi City, Japan, 2-1 Monday in South Williamsport, Pa. Associated Press photo by Tom E. Puskar

Alright, Columbus!