Japan 10-0 USA: Nishimori and Kozasa team up for Japan to shut out USA ahead of Super Round

Japan’s dominant form was once again on full display before they head into the Super Round as they beat the United States 10-0 on Wednesday at the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Masaru Nishimori and Keito Kozasa both scored a pair of runs in Japan’s masterful victory, while Koki Yagi fanned two opponents and allowed 1 hit in three innings to get the win. Chase Thomson pitched three innings for United States (5 H, 9 R, 0 SO).

Left fielder Ibuki Onishi fired a triple to drive in Hitto Nagayoshi and Aoi Yamaguchi for a quick 3-0 start in the first inning. Two innings later Yamaguchi hit a sacrifice fly before Ayato Iseki fired an inside-the-park homer to bring home Masaya Ohashi and Iseki to put Japan 7-0 in the third.

In the fourth inning, Japan completed the walk off win with three more runs to shutout USA 10-0.