Rojas homers, combines on 1-hitter as Mexico advances in LLWS with 6-0 shutout of Japan

Mexico moves on at LLWS after 6-0 win over Japan

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Raul Rojas hit a two-run homer and got five outs on the mound to finish a one-hitter, helping Reynosa, Mexico, beat Chiba City, Japan, 6-0 to advance at the Little League World Series.

Unbeaten Mexico will face Curacao or Taiwan in the international final Saturday, while Japan was eliminated.

Reymundo Berrones allowed no hits Wednesday before being lifted with one out in the fifth after reaching his limit of 85 pitches. Rojas took over from there, striking out the side after Chiba City put the first two batters on in the sixth.

Rojas’ first-inning drive impressed the crowd. The 12-year-old slugger slowed as he approached home, then stomped on the plate for the 2-0 lead as teammates patted him on the helmet.