Chibana's five-RBI game propels Japan over Korea
World No. 1 Japan outscored No. 4 Korea, 7-1. Centre fielder Shinnosuke Chibana contributed to the win with a five-RBI game. Backup shortstop Syuya Yamada hit a solo home run. Starter Yugo Maeda and closer Riku Takeda looked almost untouchable.
Japan got to Korea's starter Chanseung Bae in the bottom of the second, loading the bases with one out. With the Korean infield playing in and Seungmin Lee playing in shallow right field, Chibana turned Bae's fourth pitch into a bases-clearing triple. He scored the third run on a groundout.
Yugo Maeda was masterful on Japan's mound. He allowed only one run on a hit over four innings of work.
Korea had more success against reliever Kodai Mori. Centre fielder Choongheon Lee hit a one-out single in the top of the sixth. Korea brought him to second on a rarely seen one-out sacrifice bunt.
The centre fielder couldn't score on the two-out single to left field by shortstop Jihwan Park as Koga Hashimoto's strong arm held him at third. He put Korea on the scoreboard on the following base hit by left fielder Seungmin Lee through the left side. Japan handed the ball to Riku Takeda.
Shortstop Syuya Yamada led off the bottom of the sixth with a solo homer, sending Chanseung Bae to the showers. Korea called Mireu Jeon from the bullpen.
Chibana opened the score with a two-RBI single, taking the lead to 6-1 and his score to five RBIs. The centre fielder advanced to third on consecutive wild pitches and scored on Mikito Ogata's two-out single.
Japan is now 2-1 in the Super Round and and will open the second day against No. 13 Puerto Rico. Korea has a 1-2 record and will play No. 2 USA.