Red-hot offence drives USA past Japan to secure first place in Opening Round

A 12-hit game, highlighted by home runs from Jeffrey Lewis and Jonathan Lynch, helped USA secure a 9-5 win against Japan on Thursday, sealing the top spot in the Opening Round and earning them place in Saturday's Final of the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C, held at Devon Park - CGE Energy Field in Oklahoma, USA.

Both teams came out swinging early, combining for 13 hits and 10 runs in the first three innings.

In the top of the first, Japan opened with three consecutive hits but managed only one run on a double by Yusuke Morita. Marco Diaz responded by retiring the side with three strikeouts, limiting the damage.

USA quickly answered in the bottom half of the inning. An uncharacteristic error by shortstop Ryuji Okawa allowed Jeffrey Lewis to tie the game, followed by an RBI single from Jonathan Lynch that put USA ahead.

The teams traded three runs in the second inning. Japan reclaimed the lead with a three-run burst, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Morita, who later scored on a single by Taiyo Kataoka. USA responded with a two-run single from Jeffrey Lewis and an RBI single from Blaine Milheim.

USA starter Diaz settled in by the third inning, retiring Japan in order. Offensively, Jonathan Lynch stayed hot, hitting his third home run in as many games. One inning later, Jeffrey Lewis added to the tally with a solo shot to centre field, followed by Cam Schiller driving in two more with a single to right, making it 9-4 for the hosts.

Despite giving up 10 hits and nine runs in four innings, Japan's head coach Shinji Eguchi kept Fuga Nagai in the circle. The right-hander finished the game with 12 hits and nine runs allowed over six innings, striking out 13 but ultimately taking the loss.

Diaz was not as dominant as in previous outings, but his strikeout numbers were still impressive. The USA pitcher saw a drop in velocity compared to earlier starts, delivering his drop ball in the mid-70s, and allowed 11 hits and five runs over seven innings. However, he still managed to strike out 15 batters, earning his third win of the tournament.

USA's lineup continued its hot streak, hitting .408 for the tournament with eight home runs and 30 runs scored in just four games.

With this result, USA improved to 4-0 and secured the top spot in the Opening Round. They will play in Saturday's Final against the second-place team in the standings. Japan, now 2-1, will face a doubleheader tomorrow against Guatemala and Colombia.