Chinese Taipei outscore Japan, earn first place in Group B
The defending World Champions got to starter Kazuki Kozai in the top of the second. Jun Wei Zheng, the ninth hitter in the batting order, had a five-RBI game.
Chinese Taipei took an early lead and proved a legitimate defending World Champion as they outscored world No. 1 Japan, 9-2, to finish Group B in first place.
The three-time champions took the lead in the top of the second. Starter Kazuki Kozai loaded the bases and Japan gave an early call to Aruya Miyahara in the bullpen. Second baseman and ninth hitter of the batting order Jun Wei Zheng welcomed him with a bases-clearing triple to right-center. Left fielder Hsin Chiu followed with a single to right and made it 4-0
In the top of the third Chinese Taipei broke the score open with a four-run rally capped by another bases-loaded extra-base hit by Zheng. The second baseman combined five runs batted in.
Highly touted prospect Sheng En Lin looked smooth as he worked with a comfortable lead. He allowed one run on three hits over five innings.
Japan scored their second run against reliever Yu Cheng Wu.
Undefeated Chinese Taipei and Japan take the field at Ed Smith Stadium
Japan gave the ball to Kazuki Kozai
Hsin Chiu wasted no time in getting to him
Chun Wei Liu swings for power
Japan gave the ball to Haruya Miyahara
Jun Wei Zheng welcomed him with a three-RBI triple. He would add a two RBI double
Sheng En Lin gave Japan's bats no chance
Catcher Ja Xiang Sung showed an impressive throwing arm
Jun Wei Zheng gets Yoshinobu Kuroda at second
Japan scored in the fifth and the sixth inning and avoided the shut out
