Japan attacked with double-digit hits for the second straight day as it brushed aside China 16-1 on Wednesday to remain undefeated after three preliminary-round games in Group B at the 2003 Baseball World Cup.
Takashi Yoshiura of Nissan Motors hit a pair of three-run homers on a 3-for-4 day while Yosuke Shinomiya, Yasuyuki Saigo and Yuki Ito chipped in two runs apiece, forcing the umpires to call the game after seven innings for the second time in as many games for Japan following an 18-0 victory over France.
In other baseball news, Yomiuri Giants infielder Kazuhiro Kiyohara on Thursday underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee at a Tokyo hospital and is expected to be able to resume light training after one month.
Kiyohara complained of discomfort in his knee after the 5-5 tie with the Hiroshima Carp on Sept. 29 and sat out the game against the Yakult Swallows three days later.
"I decided to have the operation so I'll be able to play in top condition next season," Kiyohara said in a club statement, adding that he will go through a rehabilitation program in the off season.