Japan is making things much more interesting in pool A at the World Cup of Baseball. After two losses in a row to Chinese Taipei and the USA, they defeated Panama 6-2. Both teams now have a record of 3-2 and are tied in fourth place of the standings.
The Japanese squad, filled with amateur players, brought their first run on the board in the second. They added five more in the fourth and fifth frame to build up a 6-0 advantage. Panama rallied in the top of the ninth for two runs, but they failed to turn the result to their favour.
Catcher Kenji SUZUKI had two RBIs. Center fielder Hisayoshi Chono went two for four with one RBI.
Panamas left fielder Jonathan VEGA REAL (2-4) drove in two. First baseman Francisco DE LA TORRE had two hits.
Tadashi SETTSU (W 1-0) gave up just three hits and two walks in eight scoreless innings. Reliever Hideto ISOMURA failed to finish the game, as he loaded the bases and gave up two runs on three hits and two base on balls. Kohhei HASEBE had to come in to close it out for the save.
Ramon RAMIREZ CAMEJO (L 0-1) was charged with five hits, four runs and two walks in three-plus innings.
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