Japan slated to face US team in little-league final

Saugus, Massachusetts, relief pitcher Mark Sacco reacts after allowing the second of two back-to- back home runs in the fifth inning against Boynton Beach, Florida in the US Little League Championship game. PHOTO: REUTERS

Japan and an American team from Boynton Beach, Florida will play for the Little League World Series championship.

A day after R.J. Neal guaranteed a win for the American team, he hit a two-run homer to lead Boynton Beach over Saugus, Massachusetts, 9-2 Saturday night in the US title game.

Devon Travis also hit a two-run homer as Boynton Beach (4-1) avenged its only loss of the series. Saugus (4-1) beat the Florida team 4-3 in pool play Monday night.

Earlier Saturday, Tokyo beat the Netherlands Antilles 14-6 to mark the third straight year a Japanese team has reached the Little League World Series championship game.

A Tokyo team won the series in 2001, beating Apopka, Florida, 2-1. Last year, Louisville, Kentucky, beat Sendai, Japan, 1-0.

The world championship game is scheduled for Sunday night.