Japan eliminates Mexico at LLWS with 3-2 win, advances to international finals

Japan advances to LLWS international finals

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Kaname Shinozaki’s solo homer in the fourth inning broke a tie, and Tokyo, Japan, clinched a spot in the Little League World Series international finals with a 3-2 win Tuesday night over Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Japan turned aside two late threats, with the potential go-ahead run at the plate each time. After a leadoff walk in the fifth, first baseman Konan Tomori caught a line drive and stepped on first for a double play.

In the sixth, a walk to Ricardo Puga brought Eduardo Mata to the plate, who just missed the game-winning homer after flying out to the right field warning track.

Ogasawara ended the game with consecutive strikeouts.

Enrique Penaloza and Puga each homered for Mexico, which was eliminated.