SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) -- Ramon Ballina hit a three-run homer and Mexico stayed alive at the Little League World Series with a 6-2 victory over Curacao on Tuesday.
Ballina is now tied for the World Series lead with three homers, but this hot streak is nothing new.
''I hit the ball better in our national tournament, actually,'' the 13-year-old Ballina said through an interpreter.
Mexico played without manager Fernando Rios, who was suspended for two games after a player on his roster did not bat during a 4-3 victory over Taiwan on Monday night.
Coach Cesar Mata took over for Rios.
''I was worried when I get up this morning,'' Mata said. ''We got the kids together and had a long talk in the dorms. They listened and they were very relaxed. I didn't worry about it after that.''
Ballina hit a drive to right-center during Mexico's five-run third inning. Joel Turrubiates had a tying RBI single.
Ballina also came on in relief in the fourth and allowed just one hit to pick up the save.
Curacao pitcher Christopher Koeiman allowed a hit and had five strikeouts during his first trip through the lineup, but Mexico had four consecutive hits in the third.
