SOUTH WILLIAMS- SPORT, Pa. — Steven Cardone smiled as he jogged off the field after San Antonio, Texas escaped with another win at the Little League World Series.

He had a big reason for the look of relief on his face. Actually, three big reasons.

Cardone and San Antonio's makeshift defense erased three bases-loaded threats with double plays and John Shull had two RBIs in a 4-1 win last night over Staten Island, N.Y.

"That's pretty standard," Shull's father, Texas manager Mike Shull, joked about the timely defense.

Texas moves on to play Georgia or California in Saturday's U.S. final, while New York was eliminated.

Earlier yesterday, Mexico beat Japan, 6-0, to advance to the international final against Taiwan or Curacao.

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

MEXICO 6, JAPAN 0

Raul Rojas hit a two-run homer in a five-run first inning and got five outs on the mound to finish a one-hitter, helping Reynosa beat Chiba City, Japan.

"I was just very excited to hit a home run in front of my family at the Little League World Series," Rojas said with a serious look, a little nervous at the microphone.

Japan starter Toshinori Wakai gave up all six Mexico runs and five hits, but settled down and didn't allow a hit after the first.