Korea tops rival Japan in WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup opening round matchup

The Korean U-12 National Team topped rival Japan, 3-1, on Day 3 of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. Korea is undefeated at 2-0, while Japan is 0-2 in Group B.

Japan took the early lead in the game as left fielder Rio Ishikawa doubled off Seungowoo An in the top of the second to put Japan ahead, 1-0. Korea's pitchers then shut down the Samurai Japan offense.

In the bottom of the third, Korea took the lead, as second baseman Seunghyun Park doubled off Samurai Japan reliever Akihiro Kobayashi, batting in two runs.

Jung Woochan added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth on a sacrifice fly. He then took the mound, pitching 1.1 innings and saving An's win.

Korea will play the Dominican Republic (0-1) on Monday in Group B action, while Japan will face the Czech Republic (0-2).