Taiwan right-hander Chang Chin-chia held Japan to five hits as he helped the host team claim third place in the baseball World Cup tournament with a 3-0 victory, spoiling Japan's hopes of returning home with a medal.
Japan starter Yoshiteru Suda, who left the mound after four innings, and reliever Hayato Nakamura of the Nippon Ham Fighters, who gave up two runs in the seventh, both gave up home runs to Taiwan outfielder Chen Chin-feng -- his third and fourth of the tourney.
"I feel responsible (for the loss). Our pitching staff did well and our offense attacked well, making good use of our speed. But, we lacked power to fight against an ace pitcher," manager Toshihiko Goto said after the game.
Japan, with its collection of top amateurs and young players from the Central and Pacific leagues, was denied a medal for a second major international event following the disappointment at last year's Sydney Olympics, where Japan also finished in fourth place.