Japan picked up their second victory of the tournament by beating Chinese Taipei ©Facebook

Japan thrashed Chinese Taipei at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-23 Baseball World Cup to pick up their second victory of the tournament in the Mexican city of Monterrey.

The Japanese, ranked at number one in the world, produced a dominant display on their way to a comprehensive 15-3 win over the defending Under-21 world champions in Group B.

The competition has replaced the Under-21 World Cup which was last held in November 2014 in Taichung in Taiwan.

A number of the Japanese players put in notable performances, including Tomohiro Anraku, who had eight strikeouts over six innings.

The only other team in Group B to have a 100 per cent record after two matches is Australia, who followed up yesterday’s success against Austria by edging Nicaragua 6-5 in a tense contest.

Guy Edmonds made the telling contribution to sway the game in favour of the Australian side as he scored a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Japan, silver medallists at the Under-21 World Cup two years ago, and Australia are locked in a close battle for top spot in the group, with Argentina in third as they recovered from a crushing defeat on the opening day by beating Austria 13-3.

Mexico secured their first win of the tournament to the delight of the home crowd as they beat Venezuela ©WBSC
Mexico secured their first win of the tournament to the delight of the home crowd as they beat Venezuela ©WBSC

In Group A, South Korea and Panama remain unbeaten as both teams secured their second victories of the tournament.

The South Korean outfit were in confident form once again as they proved far too strong for South Africa with a 17-3 triumph.

A total of 11 different players for South Korea managed to get on the scoreboard and they set the tone for a commanding win when they scored six in the first innings.

They were able to score runs in each of their first four offensive innings and the South Africans never looked like forcing their way back into the match as they slumped to another heavy loss.

Panama beat the Czech Republic by the same scoreline to build on their opening 3-1 victory over hosts Mexico.

The Mexicans gave the home crowd something to cheer as they recovered from the disappointing loss to Panama by overcoming Venezuela 4-0.

The first round of the event is due to continue tomorrow with a further six matches as Australia meet Chinese Taipei, while Argentina take on Austria and Japan face Argentina in Group B.

The pick of the matches in Group A sees South Korea go up against Mexico, with Panama entertaining Venezuela.

The Czech Republic and South Africa will both be hoping to get their campaign up and running when they clash tomorrow.