SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Hawaii is still alive at the Little League World Series after a 7-4 win Thursday night over Columbus, Ga.
Justice Nakagawa hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the third and Noah Shackles struck out nine to lead the team from Waipahu, Hawaii.
The victory forces a rematch Friday afternoon with previously-unbeaten Georgia, with the winner taking on Texas Saturday for the U.S. title. Texas advanced earlier Thursday with a 7-5 victory over Washington.
Hawaii put two runners on in the third with two outs when the 12-year-old Nakagawa drove an 0-2 pitch over the right-centerfield wall for a 5-0 lead.
Kobie Buglioli had two RBIs, and Georgia scored three runs in the sixth before Keolu Ramos ended the game by getting a groundout.