Japan Clinches Top Spot in Group C, Advances to World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals
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Defending champion Japan secured a quarterfinal berth in the World Baseball Classic and clinched first place in Group C with a 4-3 win over Australia on Sunday night in Tokyo. Japan's victory assured the Samurai Warriors of a spot in the quarterfinals, which will take place on March 14 in Miami.
Japan's win came after South Korea lost to Taiwan 5-4 in 10 innings, also at the Tokyo Dome. The Samurai Warriors will complete their group play on Tuesday against the Czech Republic before traveling to Miami for their quarterfinal matchup.
Aaron Whitefield doubled, stole third, and scored on catcher Kenya Wakatsuki's throwing error in the sixth inning to give Australia a 1-0 lead. However, Japan rallied in the seventh inning, with Masataka Yoshida hitting a two-run homer to take the lead. Teruaki Sato added an RBI in the eighth, and Japan held on for the 4-3 victory.
Japan starter Tomoyuki Sugano pitched four scoreless innings, and Chihiro Sumida earned the win in relief. Australia's Jon Kennedy took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning.
