Texas, Mexico win semifinals at LLWS

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Steven Cardone smiled as he jogged off the field, looking relieved after San Antonio, Texas had escaped with a win at the Little League World Series.

Three double plays have his team one step closer to a title.

The Texans escaped three bases-loaded threats with double plays and John Shull had two RBIs in a 4-1 win Wednesday night over Staten Island, N.Y.

Texas next plays Saturday in the U.S. final against either Georgia or California.

Earlier Wednesday, Mexico shut out Japan 6-0 to advance to the international final against either Taiwan or Curacao.

New York loaded the bases in the first, third and fifth innings, but only scored one run thanks to sharply-hit bouncers right at fielders that turned into double plays.

Anthony Scotti, hobbling with a bad hamstring, grounded into two double plays, including one to end the fifth with New York down three.

“Let’s go New York,” their orange-clad fans pleaded to start the sixth. Their hopes swelled after Quinn led off with a single.

But Cardone got a fielder’s choice for one out before Shull came in to relieve and got two strikeouts to end the game. Shull also had RBI singles in the first and second innings.

Mexico 6, Japan 0

Reynosa, Mexico’s fans stood out in the crowd with their big sombreros, stark green shirts and their catchy chants.

“Ole, ole, ole,” they sang as they swayed in unison, some rooters waving mini-Mexican flags. They’re having fun with their team.

Raymundo Berrones and Raul Rojas combined on a one-hitter, and Rojas’ two-run blast highlighted a five-run first inning.

Mexico has some of the most feared arms in South Williamsport, with an ERA of 0.71 entering Wednesday.

Rojas’ first-inning drive to straightaway center gave Mexico a 2-0 lead and impressed the crowd.