SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Takuma Takahashi threw a one-hitter and struck out 14 in Japan’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Friday in the Little League World Series.

Takahashi threw 73 pitched in six innings in the opener for the Tokyo team.

Japan scored in the top of the third inning on Suguru Kanamori’s single after Taro Hashiguchi reached third on second baseman Greybell Salom’s throwing error.

Jorge Cabrera pitched a complete game for the Venezuelan team from Maracaibo.

Japan will play Mexico on Sunday. Mexico beat Canada 4-3.

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