0U4A3723 — Phenix City pitcher Kinley Rasmus at the 2026 Little League World Series (Little League Baseball & Softball)

The Rasmus family is no stranger to the Little League World Series but a new name got to make a little “herstory” in the opening game of the 2026 tournament.

Pitcher Kinley Rasmus pitched six shutout innings in her debut, striking out eight hitters. That number tied the record for most strikeouts by a girl at the Little League Baseball World Series, previously set by breakout star Mo’ne Davis.

Phenix City would go on to lose 2-0 to Tacoma, Washington in extra innings with Rasmus being removed from the mound due to pitch count rules. But the national headlines were still focused on Rasmus’ performance including:

Keep reading to learn more about Rasmus’ performance + what comes next for the Phenix City team in Williamsport.

Kinley Rasmus earning national spotlight

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Kinley Rasmus was already considered one of the names to watch before the Little League Baseball World Series began. She led the Phenix City squad through the Southeast Regional to become the first Alabama team to make it to Williamsport since 1999.

She is the daughter of coach Cory Rasmus, who played on the 1999 team from Phenix City that won the U.S. Championship.

Kinley had four strikeouts through the first two innings and struck out five of the first seven batters she faced in the game against Washington. In total, she allowed just one hit and two walks without allowing a run in six innings of work.

She was removed from the game before extra innings began due to her pitch count being at 81. Little League rules limit pitchers to 85 pitches per game.

What’s next for Phenix City at the LLWS?

The double elimination tournament continues this weekend in Williamsport. Phenix City will have to play its way out of the losers bracket to return to the championship.

Due to her pitch count, Kinley Rasmus will need four rest days before pitching again. She will still be a key part of the lineup when the team looks to stave off elimination Saturday night.

Here’s what you need to know: