Kean Wong led off the bottom of the first with a home run and Hilo pounded out 13 hits in a 12-2 victory over Yakima, Wash., in the semifinals of the Little League Juniors (ages 13-14) West Regional yesterday at Aliso Viejo, Calif.

Hilo (5-1) will face Scottsdale, Ariz. (6-0) for the title today at 3:30 p.m. (Hawai'i time).

Drew Kell, Kian Kuro-kawa, Keoni Chiquita, Andy Filotea and Chayce Kaaua pitched for Hilo in a game shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule.

The winner advances to the World Series at Taylor, Mich., Aug. 16 to 22.

HILO SENIORS OUSTED IN WEST SEMIFINALS

Corona, Calif., rallied to eliminate Hilo, 15-10, in the semifinals of the Little League Seniors (ages 15-16) West Regional at Ontario, Calif.

Corona outscored Hilo, 9-2, over the final two innings.

Hilo scored five runs in the fourth to take an 8-6 lead. Ekolu Martins capped the rally with a two-run homer.

Edwin Pacris scored three runs for Hilo, which finished 3-2 in the tournament.

CENTRAL EAST MAUI MAJORS ROUTED, 15-2

Chula Vista, Calif., belted eight home runs to rout Central East Maui, 15-2, in the Little League Majors (ages 11-12) West Regional on Sunday at San Bernardino, Calif.

Joshua Nobriga homered for Central Maui East in the game shortened to four innings because of the mercy rule.

Central East Maui (0-2) was off yesterday and plays Cedar City, Utah today at 9:30 a.m. (Hawai'i time).SOFTBALL

MILILANI'S GARCES SIGNS WITH HPU

Mililani infielder Celina Garces has signed with the Hawai'i Pacific University softball team for the 2010 season.

Garces earned Advertiser second-team honors as a third baseman last season, when the Trojans won the Division I State Championship.

"Celina is a very talented player and we know she has the athletic ability and skill to compete at the college level," said HPU coach Bryan Nakasone. "There's always an adjustment period transitioning from high school to college, but we expect her to vie for a spot at either third base or shortstop."

HPU advanced to last season's NCAA Regional Tournament final and recorded 42 victories.