Red Sox slugger Masataka Yoshida delivered the decisive blow with a clutch two-run home run in the seventh inning, propelling defending World Baseball Classic champion Japan to a 4-3 triumph over Australia in Tokyo on Sunday, securing the top spot in Group C.
The dramatic moment came after Australian pitcher Jon Kennedy couldn’t handle a throw from shortstop Jarryd Dale that would have completed an inning-ending double play. Yoshida capitalized on the defensive mistake, launching Kennedy’s 0-1 slider over the right-center field wall to put Japan ahead 2-1.
Japan added crucial runs in the eighth frame when Teruaki Sato drove in a run with a double and Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki earned a bases-loaded walk for additional insurance.
Despite managing only five hits throughout the contest, Japan took advantage of 12 walks issued by Australian pitching to maintain their perfect 3-0 record in pool competition.
Australia mounted a late rally in the ninth inning as Alex Hall and Rixon Wingrove both connected for solo home runs, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their first loss. The Australians now sit at 2-1 and can still advance to the quarterfinals by defeating Korea (1-2) in Monday’s matchup.
The tournament format sends the top two teams from each of the four groups to the quarterfinal round, which will take place in Miami and Houston. Miami will host both semifinal games on March 15-16 and the championship contest on March 17.
Australian standout Aaron Whitefield, formerly of the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels, contributed three of his team’s eight hits and crossed home plate in the sixth inning following a defensive miscue. Whitefield doubled to right field and attempted to steal third base when Japan catcher Kenya Wakatsuki’s throw sailed wide into left field territory, allowing him to race home with the game’s first run.
Japan nearly broke the scoreless deadlock earlier when superstar Shohei Ohtani came to bat with bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning. However, Australian catcher Robbie Perkins made a heads-up play, catching Shugo Maki wandering too far from second base and firing a perfect throw to Dale for the tag to escape the jam.
