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Drama unfolded in a Little League World Series game between the Oklahoma and Texas West representatives. A sign stealing controversy caused a brief game stoppage just moments before a go-ahead home run.
Tulsa National matched up against Midway in an elimination contest that went down to the wire. Fireworks erupted in the top of the fifth frame.
These two teams got here by battling their ways through the Southwest Regional. Both teams won their openers before falling in Game 2.
Each then survived an elimination game on Saturday to keep LLWS hopes alive.
A Little League World Series controversy erupted between Oklahoma and Texas West.
Sign stealing was at the root of the issue. A brief pause in the game action occurred in the fifth inning as umpires addressed the situation.
At the time, Tulsa National was at the plate trailing 4-1. They’d loaded the bases in hopes of making a rally.
A runner on second base was seen relaying either pitch selection or location to the batter in the box. An umpire saw a hand motion and signaled time.
A conversation between officials ensued.
Some drama at the LLWS Southwest Regional (Oklahoma vs. Texas West), as the Umpires stop play for a ruling from the Tournament Director on a baserunner stealing signs/tipping location… first pitch after the ruling, a go-ahead Grand Slam by Tulsa’s Casen Baucom. pic.twitter.com/BgSuNBRWTj
— Cayden McFarland (@caydenmc) August 3, 2025
After the short meeting, play resumed. No punishment was handed down.
Three pitches later, Oklahoma hit a grand slam to take a 5-4 lead. They’d later win by the same final score.
What is the LLWS sign stealing rule?
The stealing and relaying of signs to alert the batter of pitch selection and/or location is unsportsmanlike behavior. If, in the judgment of the umpire this behavior is occurring, the team manager and those responsible including any player(s) and/or coach(es) shall be warned after the first offense. Those responsible including any player(s), coach(es), and/or manager shall be ejected from the game for a team’s subsequent offense.
Sign stealing is viewed as unsportsmanlike conduct. A first offense results in a warning at the umpire’s discretion. A second offense can lead to ejection.
No one was ejected in the Little League World Series game between Oklahoma and Texas West, though the Midway coach might’ve believed it was warranted.
The controversy was a major storyline in what was an exciting baseball battle. Full highlights can be seen below.
With the win, Oklahoma lives to play another day. They’ll play another elimination game on Monday.
The Texas West representative’s LLWS run came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.