Alexander Rodriguez hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to lift Willemstad, Curacao, to a 5-2 victory over Hilo today for the Little League Junior League World Series championship.

The World Series for 13- and 14-year-olds was played in Taylor, Mich.

Curacao, the International champion, finished 6-0. Hilo, the United States champion, was 4-2.

Rodriguez hit his homer with one out in the fifth off Hawai'i starter Ekolu Martins, who had put two runners on with walks.

Rodriguez also was the winning pitcher, allowing two runs, four hits, striking out five and walking two in 5 2/3 innings.

Hilo scored single runs in the first and third innings, including an RBI single by Taylor Goo to tie the game a 2.

The Hilo team includes Randall Iha, Jordan Jinbo, Connor Yoshioka, Quintin Torres-Costa, Kian Kurokawa, John Chiquita, Chayce Kaaua, Ridge Hoopii-Haslam, Charles Matson, Kean Wong, Dean Hosaka, Taylor Goo, Jayce Carvalho and Ekolu Martins. The team's manager is Kaha Wong assisted by Norman Iha and Kolten Wong.

Hilo was trying to become the fifth Hawai'i team to win the Junior League World Series championship. Pearl City won last year's tournament.