EASLEY—The first time Mexico faced the Dominican Republic, they lost 14-2 in a game that was stopped after five innings due to the 10-run rule.

Mexico was determined not to repeat that performance for the finals Tuesday afternoon. The game was closer this time, with Mexico even taking an early 2-0 lead, but the Dominican Republic team was just a little too strong, winning 6-4 and advancing to the Big League World Series Championship Wednesday night.

Johnathan Rodriquez picked up the win for the Dominican Republic, pitching 6 and a third innings and giving up just three hits. Odalis Jimenez came in for the final two outs and picked up a save.

Hector Franco picked up the loss for Mexico.

Mexico scored in the top of the first inning, hoping to set the pace for the game. Brian Ayala reached first base on an error, then Jose Murillo got on base and advanced Ayala to second. Arturo Carrera loaded the bases by reaching first base on an error. Carlos Plascercia then drew a walk, forcing in Ayala from third base to give Mexico a 1-0 lead.

Rodriquez then struck out the next two batters, and got the third out on a line drive ball, ending the inning with no further damage.

In the top of the third inning, Auturo Carrera hit a single, then moved to second on a balk. Carrera reached third base on a ground out, then scored on Eliodoro Valisio’s single to give Mexico a 2-0 lead.

But the Dominican Republic was able to tie the game in the bottom of the third inning. Winston Contreras singled, then stole second base. A single by Franyelyn Diaz moved Contreras to third, then he scored on a throwing error. Manuel Tejada then doubled, driving Diaz in for the Dominican Republic’s second run.

The Dominican Republic took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Winston Contreras reached base on an error. Juan Luis Silvestre singled, then advanced to second base on the throw. Odalis Jimenez came in to run for Silvestre. Franyelyn Diaz then hit a double to drive Jimenez and Contreras home, giving the Dominican Republic a 4-2 lead.

The Dominican Republic added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Edison Flete reached base on a walk. Odalis Jimenez came in as a pinch runner for Flete.

Gilbert Jimenez then drew a walk. Darlin Seri bunted for a single to load the bases. Jean Carlos Marmol then bunted for another single, sending Odalis Jimenez home for a run. Juan Burgos reached on a fielder’s choice play, sending Gilbert Jimenez home for another run.

The Dominican Republic led 6-2 going into the seventh inning, but Mexico refused to give up.

Fredrico Vasquez reached base on an error, and advanced to second on a ground out. Vasquez scored on a double by Jorge Soto. Brian Ayala then hit a single, score Soto from second. But that was all the Mexican team was able to do, falling 6-4.

The Dominican Republic will face the winner of Tuesday night’s California-Louisiana game Wednesday night in the BLWS Championship game, set to be televised by ESPN2.