Striking out 12, Taiwan defeats Venezuela 4-1 in the Little League World Series semifinal

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Taiwan couldn’t get much going at the plate on Saturday. But the way starter Lai Cheng-Xi was pitching, it didn’t matter.

Lai struck out 12 batters and allowed just three hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Asia-Pacific representative beat Venezuela 4-1 to advance to the Little League World Series championship.

“He’s the ace pitcher for the team and he shows leadership,” manager Lee Cheng-Ta said through an interpreter. “He’s calm and he works hard, so every...