Japan bumped into the semifinals

Caribbean winner Puerto Rico puts together a 9-run burst in the sixth to dispose of Canada’s British Columbia, 9-3, and now faces Japan in quest of the other finals spot

By Arnie Leshin 

Believe it, Japan has fallen into the loser’s bracket. Not only fallen, but shut out. Not a single run, one measly hit, and a surprising 10-0 setback Wednesday to the Asia-Pacific Regional champions from South Korea in the International field winner’s bracket played at Volunteer Stadium.

You had to see it to believe it. Its supporters were stunned.The team from Tokyo had won this Little League Baseball World Series last year and twice over the last three finals at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pa. South Korea has also won a few, but hadn’t played here in awhile.

Both came in at 2-0, but while Asia-Pacific made its way into Saturday’s International championship game, Japan is going to have to get past the Caribbean Region champs from Puerto Rico in order to grab the remaining spot against South Korea.

As for Puerto Rico, it started slow before coming on late to hand the Canadian winners from British Columbia a 9-3 defeat. Now at 2-1, it remains in quest of the title game, except that Japan hasn’t gone away.

But against the team from South Seoul, it was not its usual self. It played flawless defense, but aside from a third inning single off the bat of Eisaku Nakajima, it didn’t receive any walks, and struck out 10 times.

The culprit on the mound was Yeong Hyeon Kim. He had done nothing special until this game. He went only the first four innings, but by then his team already fashioned a 10-0 lead, with six runs over the first two frames.

Japan wasn’t as fortunate. Usually strong on the mound, starter Shisei Fujimoto was reached for four runs on three hits over just two thirds of an inning, although he struck out two and didn’t walk anyone.

Those that followed him also contributed to the hit parade of the Asia-Pacific team. It had a grand total of 11 hits that included a home run in the second inning by Ji Hyung Choi. Teammates Shoo Hoo, Gi Jeong and Yeong Hyeon added a pair of safeties each, and Choi went 2-for-3

Puerto Rico, which lost previously to Japan, was tied 2-2 after three, but put together a 9-run top of the sixth to win going away

So this advanced Puerto Rico to the semifinals, but for Japan, it was something new. It usually takes an unbeaten record into the championship game, now it has to get past the semis to see South Korea again.