The first international action of Day #2 of the 2017 Little League World Series saw Japan, represented by the Tokyo Kitasuna Little League of Tokyo, Japan shut out Australia, represented by the Hills Little League of Sydney, Australia 8-0 at Volunteer Stadium.
Australia would get off to a slow start offensively, going down in order in the Top of the 1st. However, the defense would stand strong against the one of the toughest regions in the international bracket. Japan would score a lead-off double from Kietara Miyahara, who would score two batters later on an RBI single from Seiya Aria. That would be the extent of the damage as Australia would force Japan to leave the bases loaded in the frame.
Over the next three innings, Japan would extend their lead by a run an inning, capitalizing on Australia pitching mistakes. Rei Ichisawa scored on a wild pitch in the 2nd and a passed ball in the 4th, along with Natsuki Yajima scoring on a wild pitch in the 3rd to give Japan a 4-0 lead through four innings.
Australia was looking for the two-out rally in the 5th inning as Ethan Treble worked a walk, representing just the 5th time in the ballgame that the Aussies had a runner on base. Treble was unfortunately stranded at 1st as Harrison Wheeldon went down looking to end the frame.
Japan would break the game open in the bottom of the 5th inning as Ryota Ono, Kazuki Watanabe, Tsubasa Tomii, and Ryuto Inoue all would come around to score as Japan sent 9 to the plate to put up 4 runs on 6 hits. Australia would go in order, giving Japan the 8-0 victory.
For Japan, they move on to face the winner of the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Volunteer Stadium. For Australia, they will now face the loser of the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific in an elimination game at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at Volunteer Stadium.
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