LLWS 2026 Game 18 Recap: Latin America 8, Mexico 4
Nicaragua stifled a high-powered Mexico offense to win 8-4 in Game 18 at Lamade Stadium. A tight game broke open when Nicaragua scored seven runs in the fifth inning. Moises Estrada Juarez drove in two runs and scored once in the decisive win.
Nicaragua has now scored a combined 14 runs over its last two games at the 2026 LLWS. Mexico had come in fresh off a 7-1 win of its own but could not keep pace in the middle innings. Nicaragua stays hot heading into its next round.
A Seven-Run Fifth Inning Breaks the Game Open
The game stayed close for four innings before Nicaragua’s offense broke through in the fifth. A bases-loaded two-run double was the key blow that turned a tight contest into a comfortable lead. Moises Estrada Juarez added two RBI of his own and crossed the plate during the outburst.
Nicaragua’s hot streak: The seven-run inning extends a pattern of big offensive frames for Nicaragua, which also broke open its previous win over Panama with a late rally. The Latin America region champions have now scored 14 runs combined across their last two games in Williamsport.
Mexico Can’t Match Nicaragua’s Big Inning
Mexico came into the game with plenty of offensive momentum after a 7-1 win in its previous matchup. The Tijuana squad still managed four runs against Nicaragua’s pitching staff. But the seven-run fifth inning put the game out of reach before Mexico could complete a comeback.
Mexico’s next step: Mexico drops into the elimination bracket after the loss and must win out to keep its tournament alive. The Tijuana team will look to bounce back after averaging strong run totals across its first two games in Williamsport.
How the Game Unfolded, Inning by Inning
| Inning | Key Play | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st–4th | Nicaragua and Mexico trade runs early, keeping the game close through four innings. | LA 1, MEX 4 |
| 5th | Nicaragua sends a wave of batters to the plate. A bases-loaded two-run double from Moises Estrada Juarez highlights a seven-run inning. | LA 8, MEX 4 |
| 6th–7th | Nicaragua’s pitching staff closes out the win, holding Mexico scoreless the rest of the way. | Final: LA 8, MEX 4 |
Game 18 Box Score
| Team | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latin America, Nicaragua | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| Mexico, Tijuana | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| Key Hit | Player | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Run Double | Nicaragua batter | Latin America | Bases-loaded double keys the seven-run fifth inning |
| 2 RBI, 1 R | Moises Estrada Juarez | Latin America | Drove in two runs and scored once in the win |
Next Games for Latin America and Mexico
Nicaragua’s path forward: Leon Little League stays hot and remains in the winners’ bracket after the come-from-behind win. Nicaragua now turns its attention to a matchup against Curaçao on Wednesday. Mexico must regroup quickly in the elimination bracket to keep its tournament alive.
Conclusion
Nicaragua outlasted Mexico 8-4 in Game 18 of the 2026 LLWS behind a seven-run fifth inning. Moises Estrada Juarez drove in two runs and scored once during the decisive rally. Nicaragua has now scored 14 combined runs across its last two games in Williamsport.
Nicaragua advances to face Curaçao on Wednesday in the winners’ bracket. Mexico’s tournament run continues in the elimination bracket, where the team must win every game to survive. The Latin America region champions remain one of the hottest offenses left in the 2026 field.
