Full Breakdown
Kinley Rasmus Shatters Records at the 2026 Little League World Series
8/27/2026, 2:01:54 AM
Record-Breaking Performance
Twelve-year-old Kinley Rasmus of Phenix City, Alabama, set two historic marks in this year’s Little League World Series. She recorded five total hits—the most ever by a girl in tournament history—and tied the single-game strikeout record with 14 strikeouts, matching Mo’ne Davis. Her fifth hit came in the fifth inning of a 4-2 victory over the Northwest Region team from Tacoma, Washington, securing Phenix City’s advance to another elimination game.
Family Legacy and Team Context
Rasmus is the daughter of former major-league pitcher Cory Rasmus and niece of former MLB outfielder Colby Rasmus. The Rasmus brothers coach Phenix City’s 2026 squad, continuing a multigenerational Little League tradition.
Tournament Progress
Phenix City opened with a 2-0 loss to Soundview Little League of Tacoma. Rasmus responded with a six-inning shutout, striking out eight batters and matching Davis’s single-game strikeout record. The team then defeated California 12-2 and rallied for a 6-5 win over Pennsylvania after trailing 5-0 early. In the Tuesday game against Tacoma, Rasmus added two hits, an RBI and a run scored, while delivering a scoreless relief appearance that preserved the lead, moving Phenix City into the elimination bracket to face the Great Lakes champion from Ohio.
Data & Statistics
- Hits: 5 total (record for a girl) – tied with Japan’s Syaka Tsushima (1998).
- Strikeouts: 14 total (tied with Mo’ne Davis).
- Single-game strikeouts: 8 (tied record).
- Pitching workload: 54 pitches in 4 2/3 innings on Monday; Little League rules require three days rest after >=51 pitches.
- Games played: 4 (opening loss, two elimination wins, Tacoma victory).
- Team record: 3 straight elimination wins, advancing to quarterfinals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just had to lock into the game and know to throw strikes and let my defense work,” — Kinley Rasmus
- “I just always hear my dad talking about [Williamsport] and how much fun he had, and I just want to do the same thing,” — Kinley Rasmus
- “I’m just so grateful for this opportunity,” — Kinley Rasmus
What’s Next
Phenix City’s next elimination matchup against Ohio is slated for Wednesday evening. Because Rasmus threw 54 pitches on Monday, she is ineligible to pitch on Wednesday but could return for the semifinal round on Saturday if the team advances. The upcoming upper-round game against Tacoma is scheduled for August 25.
Why It Matters
Rasmus’s dual-record achievements highlight the growing impact of female athletes in a traditionally male-dominated tournament and revive the legacy of Mo’ne Davis. The records set this week will stand as benchmarks for future participants and may influence Little League’s approach to two-way players and gender-inclusive competition.
