LLWS 2026 Game 25 Recap: Japan 3, Mexico 1
Japan eliminated Mexico 3-1 to win its third straight game in the international elimination bracket. Tensei Yazawa struck out seven over five innings of one-run ball to anchor the win. Ryosuke Takaoka drove in two runs, and Rui Tobata closed the door with a 1-2-3 sixth inning.
Japan dropped into the lower bracket after an opening loss to Curaçao but has since defeated the Dominican Republic, Czechia, and now Mexico. Mexico’s tournament run comes to a close after the loss. Japan advances to face Canada in its next matchup.
Tensei Yazawa Strikes Out Seven
Yazawa worked five innings, allowing four hits, two walks, and just one run while striking out seven Mexico batters. He struck out the side in the fifth inning before handing the ball to Rui Tobata, who retired the side in order in the sixth to close out the win.
Japan’s third straight elimination win: Joto Little League dropped into the lower bracket after an opening loss to Curaçao but has since reeled off wins over the Dominican Republic, Czechia, and now Mexico. The run keeps Japan’s championship hopes alive as it prepares to face Canada next.
Takaoka Drives in Two, Yabe Goes 2-for-2
Japan struck early, hitting four consecutive singles in the first inning to plate two runs. Ryosuke Takaoka added to the lead in the fourth inning with a run-scoring fielder’s choice. Yunosuke Yabe went 2-for-2 at the plate, and Takeru Yarozu crossed the plate twice during the win.
Mexico’s lone run: Rafael Mesina drove in Mexico’s only run of the game with a groundout in the fourth inning. Mexico starter Jorge Fonseca went the distance, scattering eight hits and three runs while striking out three without issuing a walk, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Japan.
How the Game Unfolded, Inning by Inning
| Inning | Key Play | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Japan hits four consecutive singles to plate two runs against Jorge Fonseca. | JPN 2, MEX 0 |
| 2nd–3rd | Yazawa and Fonseca settle in, trading scoreless innings. | JPN 2, MEX 0 |
| 4th | Ryosuke Takaoka’s fielder’s choice scores Japan’s third run. Rafael Mesina answers with a run-scoring groundout for Mexico’s only run. | JPN 3, MEX 1 |
| 5th–6th | Yazawa strikes out the side in the fifth. Rui Tobata retires the side in order in the sixth to close it out. | Final: JPN 3, MEX 1 |
Game 25 Box Score
| Team | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 3 | 8 | TBD |
| Mexico | 1 | 4 | TBD |
| Pitcher | Team | IP | H | BB | K | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensei Yazawa | Japan | 5 | 4 | 2 | 7 | Win |
| Rui Tobata | Japan | 1 | 0 | 0 | TBD | Save |
| Jorge Fonseca | Mexico | 6 | 8 | 0 | 3 | Loss |
| Key Play | Player | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fielder’s Choice RBI | Ryosuke Takaoka | Japan | Scored a run in the 4th inning |
| RBI Groundout | Rafael Mesina | Mexico | Mexico’s only run of the game, 4th inning |
Next Games for Japan and Mexico
Japan’s path forward: Joto Little League has now won three straight elimination games after an opening loss to Curaçao. Japan turns its attention to a matchup against Canada, which also enters on a winning streak of its own. Mexico’s tournament run comes to a close after the elimination loss.
Conclusion
Japan eliminated Mexico 3-1 in Game 25 of the 2026 LLWS behind Tensei Yazawa’s seven strikeouts over five innings. Ryosuke Takaoka drove in two runs while Rui Tobata closed out the win with a scoreless sixth. Japan has now won three straight games after dropping into the lower bracket.
Japan advances to face Canada in its next matchup as both teams continue deep runs through the international bracket. Mexico’s tournament ends after falling to Japan’s pitching and early offense. Japan’s turnaround since its opening loss to Curaçao continues to build momentum.
