A three-run first inning, and a strong pitching performance by Kazuki Kozai and Haruya Miyahara, propelled world No. 1 Japan to an important 4-1 win over Mexico, on Day 2 of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup played at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.
Japan scored three in the first inning with an RBI single by Yudai Ebine and a two-run hit by Kaito Ito.
The three-run difference remained until the end of the game, since both teams scored once in the fifth inning. Japanese leadoff hitter Shogo Asano rocketed a full-count pitch into the left field bleachers to put Japan up 4-0.
But world No. 4 Mexico responded in the bottom half of the inning, with a double by Rosman Verdugo and an RBI single by Yael Romero, his fifth run in the tournament.
For Japan, Kazuki Kozai pitched four scoreless innings of one hit ball, striking out two against four walks. Haruya Miyahara earned a three-inning save, striking out six while giving up three hits and one run.
For Mexico, starter Angel Sanchez was charged with the loss in four innings of work. He surrendered four hits and three walks, which led to three runs. Juan Pablo Tirado tossed three innings giving up one hit, one walk and one run.
Japan remains in control of Group B with a pair of wins in as many games, while Mexico evens their record at 1-1. On Sunday, Japan plays Panama, and Mexico will face Italy.
