Kengo Wada's grand slam leads Japan knockout win over Australia

World No. 1 Japan needed only four innings to defeat No. 10 Australia in Day 5 opening game, 15-0, at the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.

The first three Japanese hitters reached through base hits against Aussie starter Harry Roberts. Third baseman Ren Mitsui, shortstop Kanade Abe, and first baseman Kengo Wada singled to break the tie. Japan added a run on a groundout, and shortstop Archer Petersen got Australia out of the first, manufacturing a fine double play.

Australia got into scoring position without getting a hit against Eishin Miyano in the bottom half of the frame. They stranded runners at second and third with one out as Miyano retired two in order on a force out and a strikeout.

Miyano supported himself with a two-RBI double in the bottom of the second. Japan loaded the bases. Abe singled to make it 5-0, and Wada followed with a monster grand slam to deep centre to open the score to 9-0. The score became 11-0 before the end of the at-bat. Japan added the runs needed to apply the international run-difference rule in the next couple of at-bats.

Japan will face Mexico on the game postponed on Day 1. The winner will advance to the Super Round.