Curacao, Iowa both throw no-hitters in Little League World Series

History and controversy defined Friday afternoon’s Little League World Series slate. The teams representing Davenport, Iowa and Willemstad, Curacao each threw combined no-hitters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but one of them is drawing considerable scrutiny.

Leading 1-0 versus California in the sixth inning, Iowa pitcher Anthony Johnson Jr. threw a ball that appeared to be outside the strike zone on a full count, in what was a bases loaded situation. Instead of the tying run crossing home plate via a walk, the umpire called strike three to end the game. Davenport still deserves ample credit for stifling a Bonita squad that exploded for 11 runs against Hawaii in the West Region Final.

Iowa completes the combined no-hitter in the opening round of the Little League World Series pic.twitter.com/rjRRTQnTpT

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Cooper Thissen struck out a whopping 15 batters and hit the difference-making home run in the first inning, posting a performance for the ages. A Little League legend could be emerging, but Cali certainly has a reason to gripe. Curacao composed a much more straightforward no-no around the same time.

Willemstad earned a convincing 6-0 victory versus Tokyo, Japan, with the final out coming via a swinging strikeout up in the zone. The pre-teenagers treated their incredible feat as just another day in the ballpark, sauntering off the field and lightly celebrating the win without breaking into the hysteria that fans might expect. If blowing out a perennial juggernaut like Japan was not evidence enough, it is even more clear that this team is dangerous.

The second combined no-hitter of the day

Jaymiell Martina and Giendry Ryan helped Curacao throw its third no-no in LLWS history! pic.twitter.com/twNwHQwibC

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 21, 2026

Jaymiell Martina was spectacular on the mound, and Giendry Ryan brilliantly finished off the no-hitter. Completely composed and with an eye on the big picture, Curacao will move into the winner’s bracket. Davenport, Iowa does the same in the American circuit.

The 2026 Little League World Series is off to a bang, and there is plenty of time for these young athletes to produce more fireworks in a place that simultaneously serves as a dwelling of dreams and a den of despair.

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