Luciano Biondi lays down surprise bunt to clinch Argentina's 1-0 ninth inning win over Japan

In an electric pitching duel that lasted nine innings, a bunt single by Luciano Biondi in the top of the ninth spelt the difference for Argentina as they closed the Super Round with a 1-0 win, eventually snapping Japan's seven-game winning run in the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup.

Argentina’s pitchers Matias Etchevers and Juan Jose Pepe combined for a nine-inning shutout against the team with one of the most powerful lineups in the tournament.

Japan used four pitchers to complete the game and balance their workload in the circle. Shota Onodera played three innings, Koki Shagi followed in the next two, Kazuya Umibe relieved in another two before Taiga Onishi closed for Japan with a combined 19 strikeouts, with no walks and allowing only two hits and a pair of bunts by Biondi.

With the tie-break runner on third, and two outs, Biondi laid down a bunt in front of the plate and reached first, allowing Tomas Machuca to score the game-winning run in the top of the ninth.

Etchevers started for Argentina, tossing four innings giving up three hits and one walk, while striking out eight. Pepe came in in relief and tossed extremely well, striking out eight in five innings with no hits and walks allowed.

On Sunday, Japan will play the World Championship Final against Australia, while Argentina will meet Mexico in the bronze medal game. Argentina and Mexico faced each other in the Opening Round, where the latter posted an upset win against the hosts on opening day.