SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Ren Takeuchi pitched into the fourth inning and had three RBIs, helping Japan beat Mexico 12-1 on Thursday to advance to the international championship of the Little League World Series.

Suguru Kanamori homered twice and drove in four runs for Japan, which will play South Korea for the title on Saturday. Japan lost 4-2 to South Korea on Wednesday.

Takeuchi allowed one hit, Juan Garza’s leadoff homer in the first, in 3 2-3 innings. He also went 2 for 3 at the plate in the five-inning game.

Japan also got a solo shot from Hayato Ueshima in the first.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.