Samurai Japan advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic courtesy of South Korea's 7-3 victory over the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome on Sunday afternoon.
Japan defeated Pool B rivals China, South Korea and the Czech Republic in its first three games and will earn one of the pool's two quarterfinal spots regardless of the result of its game against Australia on Sunday night.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida has been one of Japan's top players, going 5-for-8 with eight RBIs.
Yoshida's five hits are tied for the most on the team. Two-way star Shohei Ohtani and outfielders Lars Nootbaar and Kensuke Kondo also have five. Kondo has a home run and four RBIs, while Nootbaar has driven in three runs.
Ohtani struck out five and pitched four scoreless innings to earn the win in Japan's first game on March 9. He is 5-for-10 with four RBIs at the plate.
Quarterfinals involving Pool A and B teams will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at Tokyo Dome.
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