Japan had usually been able to find a way to come up with the big hit or big play when it absolutely needed to at this Premier12.

The difference on Tuesday night was the Japanese found themselves against an opponent who was always ready with an answer.

The United States used a mix of timely hitting and good pitching to keep Japan at arm's length long enough bring the host nation's winning streak to an end with a 4-3 win in the Super Round of the tournament at Tokyo Dome.