Masataka Yoshida's late HR lifts Japan over Australia to take first place in group at World Baseball Classic

"Defending champion Japan became the first nation to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the World Baseball Classic, then rallied on Masataka Yoshida, two-run homer in the seventh inning to beat Australia 4-3 on Sunday night and assure first place in its first-round group."

"Ohtani walked on four pitches from loser Jon Kennedy leading off the seventh, one of 12 walks by Australia pitchers, and Yoshida pulled a low slider into the right-center field seats for a 2-1 lead. Yoshida has 19 RBIs in WBC play, third behind a pair of Cubans, Frederich Cepeda (23) and Alfredo Despaigne (21)."

"Japan starter Tomoyuki Sugano pitched four scoreless innings of four-hit ball, and Australia (2-1) went ahead with an unearned run in the sixth against winner Chihiro Sumida. Aaron Whitefield doubled, stole third and came home on catcher Kenya Wakatsuki's throwing error."

Japan defeated Australia 4-3 in World Baseball Classic play, with Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida delivering a crucial two-run homer in the seventh inning. Japan clinched first place in Group C and became the first nation to secure a quarterfinal berth after South Korea lost to Taiwan earlier that day. Japan finished group play undefeated at 3-0 and will advance to Miami for a quarterfinal matchup on March 14. Australia remains in contention for a quarterfinal spot with a 2-1 record. Yoshida extended his WBC RBI total to 19, ranking third overall in the tournament.

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