Cache Malan of he Las Vegas team pitches against Irmo, S.C., during the third inning at the Little League World Series on Thursday in South Williamsport, Pa. (AP photo)

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Four teams are set for this afternoon’s semifinals at the Little League World Series. In a runaway, none have sparked interest and conversation quite like the team from Connecticut.

Fairfield’s club representing the Metro Region is relentless on offense. It has outscored opponents 26-5 in four games while pushing the limits of Little League’s extra-bases — a move that can be seen as either clever or sneaky or both.

In Little League, when the ball is in play, runners cannot advance if it is returned to the pitcher and he is back on the mound with the catcher in the catcher’s box. But until then, the runners can keep moving.

Connecticut’s baserunners pressure their opponents by lingering between first and second — essentially daring opponents to try and get a rundown started. If a second runner is on the basepaths, this distraction allows that player to continue advancing while the pitcher is still off the mound.

Against South Dakota on Monday, Connecticut ran the play several times. Twelve straight hitters reached base safely in the top of the sixth, scoring 12 runs to turn a tight game into a 13-1 rout.

Connecticut then went on to beat Nevada on Wednesday. Those teams will play again today in the U.S. championship.

On the international side, Taiwan dominated throughout the winner’s bracket. In the past week, Taiwan shut out Mexico and Aruba, and beat Venezuela 7-3. Aruba gets a rematch today.

Much of Taiwan’s success has been because of its pitching depth. In its three games played, Taiwan shut out two opponents, recording 34 combined strikeouts.

“We are making sure to focus on defense,” Taiwan manager Lai Min Nan said. “As long as we don’t give up runs to our opponents, we have the best chance to win.”

The winners play on Sunday afternoon for the tournament championship.

Aruba vs. Taiwan

THE GAME: 12:30 p.m. today, Lamade Stadium.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Aruba won three elimination bracket games to climb back into the conversation. Now it’s in the final four.

Taiwan got the best of Aruba on Monday, 4-0. Taiwan scored in both the first and second innings, and cruised from there.

STARS AND STORYLINES: This is Aruba’s first international final in its three LLWS appearances. Taiwan has won 17 championships, the most from any country other than the United States, but none since 1996.

Nevada vs. Connecticut

THE GAME: 3:30 p.m. today, Lamade Stadium.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Nevada was undefeated before losing to Connecticut 7-3 on Wednesday. The team from Las Vegas beat South Carolina on Thursday night to reach the semifinals for the first time in LLWS history.

STARS AND STORYLINES: Tommy D’Amura is one of Connecticut’s hottest hitters. Against Nevada, he hit a home run that landed well up the hill that backdrops Lamade Stadium.

Nevada has a similar slugger, Garrett Gallegos. He blasted a three-run homer well over the shrubs in right field to take the lead back from South Carolina in the sixth inning Thursday night.

On the mound, Garrett hasn’t allowed a run in his two appearances. He notably struck out 12 in Nevada’s first matchup against South Carolina on Monday. He will be eligible to pitch on Saturday, but Fescher did not confirm if he will be on the mound.

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Alexandra Wenskoski and Amanda Vogt are students in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.