Japan comes from behind and maintains its undefeated pace, leader of Group C
Japan defeated Australia in a close game and is the leader of Group C of the World Baseball Classic with an undefeated pace
TOKYO — Japan maintains perfect pace in the World Baseball Classicafter coming from behind and beating Australia by a score of 4-3 in a game that remained scoreless for the first five innings. The Japanese remain undefeated after their Australian rivals lost in an exciting end to the game, where they threatened to come back, and are leaders of Group C.
Japan is in the knockout round.
A defensive error by Japanese catcher Kenya Wakatsuki opened the door for the Australians’ first run in the sixth inning. Masataka Yoshida changed the outlook for the defending champions with a two-run home run that turned the scoreboard in the seventh inning. The Japanese added two more runs in the eighth inning with an RBI double by Teruaki Sato as a pinch-hitter and Seiya Suzuki, who negotiated a walk with the house full.
Down 4-1 to open the final inning, Alex Hall and Rixon Wingrove each hit solo home runs to get within one run of a tie. Taisei Ota dominated Robbie Perkins with a grounder to third base to end the game.
Chihiro Sumida signed the victory for Japan after working three scoreless innings, after starter Tomoyuki Sugano kept Australia tied to his four work rolls. The loss went to reliever Jon Kennedy, who allowed Yoshida’s two-run homer in the sixth.
Connor McDonald, in charge of opening the game for Australia, also prevented Japan’s runs in three rolls of work of three walks and one hit.
Shohei Ohtani finished the game 0-for-3 with two walks, after entering Sunday’s game with 5 hits, 2 home runs and 6 RBIs.
Japan closes its participation in the group stage on Tuesday, at the Tokyo Dome, in a game against the Czech Republic.
