Preview: Mexico's undefeated record on the line against Japan

The Tokyo Dome hosts a crucial Premier12 Super Round matchup tonight, as no. 6 ranked Mexico (3-0) protect their perfect record against no. 1 ranked Japan (2-1).

After picking up a 3-0 win against Australia and watching Japan and Korea drop their day two games, Mexico are the only remaining undefeated team at the 2019 WBSC Premier12.

The teams met twice in the 2015 Premier12, as Japan won 6-5 in the Opening Round, and 11-1 in the Bronze Medal Game.

Mexico has never defeated Japan at senior level international competition.

Matt Clark and Jonathan Jones homered for Mexico, while Eduardo Vera continued his ultra-impressive tournament on the mound. The right-hander scattered four hits in five scoreless innings against Australia yesterday, lowering his tournament ERA to 1.00.

Despite three hits and three RBI from Hideto Asamura, Japan lost narrowly to the USA last night. Asamura’s third RBI of the night made it a one run game in the eighth inning, but the US pitching staff held strong.

Veteran leftie Horacio Ramirez will toe the rubber for Mexico. The 39-year-old allowed two earned runs in three innings against the US in the opening round. Ramirez made his MLB debut in April 2003, and has a career 4.65 ERA at the Major League level.

Japan will send Shota Imanaga to the mound for his second appearance at the 2019 Premier12. The Yokohama DeNA BayStars ace allowed four hits in three scoreless innings against Chinese Taipei in the opening round, striking out four.

First pitch is scheduled for 19:00 JST.