Japan's Hamamatsu City will face American champions Huntington Beach from California in Sunday's Little League World Series baseball final after semi-final triumphs on Saturday.

The Japanese squad, trying to bring back the crown as their counterparts from Tokyo did last year, defeated Mexicali, Mexico 5-2 in the International semi-final while the Californians beat Billings, Montana 11-2.

Sunday's title game at Lamade Stadium was moved ahead three hours to noon as officials try to avoid rain from Hurricane Irene, moving along the American East Coast.

Hamamatsu City starting pitcher Yoshiki Suzuki struck out seven and scattered seven hits in a complete-game victory while Kaito Suzuki scored twice and singled home a run for the Japanese team.

"I know it's going to be my last Little League in my career and I want to have a smile on my face when we go back to Japan," Yoshiki Suzuki said through a translator.

Huntington Beach starting pitcher Nick Pratto struck out 10 and batted in three runs for the American champions, who had lost 1-0 to the Montana squad earlier in round-robin play.