S. Korea vs Japan (Part 2)

Although I wasn't too happy with the results; you have to admire both clubs for the Pitching and Defense performance they put out in this game.

Korea beat Japan 1-0 in what I thought was a valiant come back; Japan had squashed the Korean team 14-2 just 2 days ago.

But I really enjoyed both teams making great plays to make this game a pitchers duel (I love these kinds of games, because all players have to play to the top of their ability).

It was a single that did the damage; and to show that baseball is a game of inches, that single was barely out of Mutata's reach. But Aoki got an assist on the runner, whom tried to take third.

My only complaint (if you can call it that) is: why did Hara-kantoku decide to bunt Nakajima to advance the runner in the bottom of the 8th with one out? Why not try for the steal (especially when Ichiro is the base runner)? This way you give 2 good hitters (Nakajima and Aoki) a chance to knock in that run.

The way it looks like now Japan would face Cuba; although the way the Australian team is swinging their bats it probably would be best. Australia clobbered Mexico (who has good pitching) 17-7, while Cuba dominated a team "in diapers" (as they should), South Africa, 8-1.

I think the Aussies are the "sleepers" in the WBC; they look like they are on a mission.

That is a game I am looking forward to; Australia vs. Cuba - it will be an entertaining game to say the least.