The Japanese side, ranked number one in the world, were expected to cruise to a comfortable win against the Dominicans but the underdogs put in a valiant performance and came close to causing an upset.

Japan got off to a good start as they edged 1-0 in front after the first innings and doubled their advantage in the fourth to leave the Dominican Republic, who had lost their opening two matches, with a mountain to climb.

The unfancied Dominicans hit back to square the contest at 2-2 in the seventh innings, though, leaving them within touching distance of a shock result.

Nakata came to the rescue, however, as he drove home two runs in the next innings to hand Japan a last-gasp success and kill off any hopes of a Dominican triumph, ensuring his nation claimed their third consecutive win after beating South Korea and Mexico in their previous two encounters.

The result leaves them well placed at the summit of Pool B ahead of number two ranked the United States and reigning Olympic champions South Korea, who both earned victories today to keep the pressure on the Japanese.

The Beijing 2008 gold medallists, who hammered the Dominican Republic 10-1 yesterday, came up against a Venezuelan team full of confidence after clinching a surprise win over the United States but the Asian outfit were able to exert their dominance almost from the off before emerging with a 13-2 rout.

The Americans meanwhile also made light work of their third game of the tournament as they thrashed Mexico 10-0.

In Pool A, Cuba, who had also been the victim of an upset after losing their opener to Canada, gave away five in the ninth innings but scored what proved to be the crucial run in the tenth to edge a determined Puerto Rican outfit 8-7.

Elsewhere in the group, Canada joined Japan as the only unbeaten team with their third success, ousting hosts Chinese Taipei 9-8 in an intriguing encounter, while world number five The Netherlands annihilated Italy 16-1 inside seven innings.

Tomorrow is a rest day for the 12 teams in action at the event, the first of its kind, before action is due to resume on Saturday (November 14).

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