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California Little League team loses to Iowa in no-hitter with controversial call

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 11:03 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

California Little League team loses to Iowa in no-hitter with controversial call

Summary

California's Little League team lost 1-0 to Iowa in a tightly contested game during the World Series on August 21, 2026. Iowa's Cooper Thissen pitched impressively but was taken out after 5 ⅓ innings, having struck out 15 batters. Relief pitcher Anthony Johnson Jr. faced a bases-loaded situation with two outs when a contentious strike-three call ended the match, sealing Iowa's no-hitter. Many observers felt the last pitch was outside the strike zone, contributing to a viral response online. California will now move on to the U.S. elimination bracket.

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By the Numbers

•California lost 1-0 to Iowa in the Little League World Series.
•Iowa's Cooper Thissen struck out 15 batters in 5 ⅓ innings.
•A controversial strike call ended the game with bases loaded.
•California advances to the U.S. elimination bracket.
•The match outcome has drawn significant social media attention.

Latest Updates

11:03 PMYahoo Sports — California Little League World Series team gets hosed on unbelievable final pitch of Iowa’s no-hitter

What they're saying

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California's Little League team lost 1-0 to Iowa after a controversial strike-three call with the bases loaded sealed a combined no-hitter.
— Yahoo Sports

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