SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - A swing-and-a-miss ended the lopsided game. Mexicali players ran from their positions to a spot between the mound and the plate, celebrating their berth in the International championship game.

One player was missing.

The last one to arrive was Daniel Zaragoza, who had to run all the way from right field — his position for the final out. It was the only time all day that No. 18 wasn't wasn't right in the middle of everything.

The left-hander who patterns himself after Fernando Valenzuela gave up only three hits on Thursday, leading Mexicali Baja California, Mexico, to an 11-0 victory over Barquisimeto, Venezuela, at the Little League World Series. He also had a two-run double that got it started.

Peering over his tan-and-black glove to get signs from the catch and then delivering the ball with a deliberate motion, Zaragoza looked a little bit like the famous Mexican pitcher — also a lefty — who sparked Fernandomania with the Dodgers in 1981. Asked for his favourite player, Zaragoza quickly answered: "Fernando."

Why? Because of his screwball. Can he throw one, too?

"No," Zaragoza said. "It's hard."

The Fernando fan led the way as Mexicali advanced easily to the title game on Saturday, where it will get an awaited rematch against Tokyo for the International championship. The winner will face the U.S. champion a day later for the World Series title.

Tokyo beat Mexicali 3-1 early in the tournament, so there's a little extra on the line.

"Baseball gives you revenge," said manager Jorge Joel Armenta, who has a tattoo of a rosary and No. 69 — his number as a player — on his right forearm. "We want to play Japan."

Barquisimeto came within one strike of reaching the International title game on Wednesday, before Japan tied it with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth and then won it with three runs in the eighth. Barquisimeto used up its pitching staff in that one.

"Last night's game hurt, but we came in focused on today's game," manager Domingo A. Carrasquel said. "Mexico just played better."

Zaragoza's double in the second inning made it 2-0. Alberto Bustos had a two-run double in the third and a two-run homer in the fifth as Mexicali pulled away. Catcher Raul Leon added a three-run homer, his second in two games.

Zaragoza gave up three singles in 5 2-3 innings, leaving after reaching the limit with 89 pitches. He switched positions with right fielder Gerardo Lujano for the final out, and then made the long jog back toward the mound to join the celebration.

Mexicali thinks it's in a better place for the rematch with Japan. The offence has come around — Leon, the cleanup hitter, has driven in eight runs in the last two games — and the pitching and defence have remained a constant.

The pitching-and-defence combination wins in Little League, too.

Second baseman Andres Villa had a nice scoop play to take away a hit on Thursday, using his glove to funnel the ball to first base. Later, he had a nice pivot at second base to turn a double play. Shortstop Jorge Armenta drew a loud ovation for another highlight play, going to his knees to nab a grounder up the middle and then getting to his feet for a perfect throw to get the out.

Is it enough for a rematch upset?

"We'll see on Saturday," the manager said.

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AP freelance writer Cody Butler contributed to this report.

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