TAOYUAN, Taiwan — A three-run homerun in the top of the sixth inning by Sho Nakata and a grand-slam in the seventh by Nobuhiro Matsuda lifted Samurai Japan over the U.S. National Team, 10-2, in front of more than 10,000 fans Saturday night on Day 6 of the WBSC Premier12.
Sho Nakata earned his third consecutive game-winning RBI and leads the global tournament with 11th RBI. The win at Taoyuan International Stadium guaranteed Japan (4-0) will finish atop Group B. Matt McBride hit a solo home run in the loss.
In Taichung, Canada defeated Italy, 4-0, to remain undefeated and sit atop Group B. Tyler O’Neill hit his tournament-leading third home run. Pitchers Jared Mortensen and Kyle Lotzkar combined for the shutout.
The Dutch National Team defeated Puerto Rico, 11-7, and was powered by two home runs by Randolph Oduber, who is batting .611 at Premier12, only behind teammate Kalim Sams’ .615 BA. The Netherlands leads the tournament in team batting average (.385).
South Korea edged Mexico 4-3, as star Byungho Park hit a solo home run.
Venezuela’s Luis Jimenez hit a bases-loaded double to help his nation defeat the Dominican Republic, 8-6.
The Premier12 global platform features the Top 12 ranked nations in the world and the Opening Round will conclude Sunday; the top four in the standings from each group will advance to the quarterfinals Monday.
