Mister Baseball

The United States (3-1) are back on track after a 5-1 victory against Japan (2-2). It was the second defeat in a row for the Asian team.

The Americans started the scoring in the first frame, as they took a fast 3-0 lead. Jayson NIX and Andy LAROCHE (both scored twice) had reached base through a single and a walk. The next batter Delwyn YOUNG ripped a 3-2-pitch over the center field fence for a three-run-homerun.

The Japanese offense cut the deficit to two runs in the sixth through a sac fly by Takashi YOSHIMURA.

But the minor league roster added two insurance runs through a two-run-double by Evan LONGORIA in the eighth to breath a bit easier.

Japan loaded the bases in the ninth with two outs, although they failed to score as Kei NOMOTO struck out to end the game.

Chris DUENSING (W 1-0) pitched five-plus innings. He gave up a run on three hits and two walks.

Teruo KAWASAKI (L 0-1) allowed four hits, three runs and a base on balls in just 1 1/3 innings.