In a headline matchup, defending champions and world No. 1 Japan dominated world No. 5 USA with a decisive 9-1 victory in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s World Baseball Classic final. The game, played in front of over 25,000 fans at the electric Tokyo Dome, marked Samurai Japan's 25th straight international win.

“The only win that counts is the one we achieved today,” said Japan’s manager Hirokazu Ibata, emphasizing focus on future games rather than the streak. “While we’re proud of our past success, our priority is the next game and continuing to secure victories.”

The first four innings saw a tense pitching duel between Japan’s 22-year-old starter Hiroto Takahashi and USA’s 44-year-old veteran Rich Hill. “Don’t underestimate him because of his age,” said USA manager Mike Scioscia of Hill. “Rich still has the skills and experience to compete at the top level, and he gave us four solid innings.”

Earlier in the day, Venezuela claimed a gritty 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei, thanks to a pivotal home run from catcher Carlos Perez. He homered on the first pitch he faced from Tzu-Peng Huan in the fourth inning. “I was expecting a breaking ball, and he left me a hanging slider,” Perez explained postgame.

With an impressive 4-1 record in Group A in Mexico, Venezuela advanced to the Super Round, while Japan remained undefeated in Group B, extending their winning streak to 24 games.

The action continues Friday, with Chinese Taipei taking on the USA at 12:00 (local time), followed by a marquee clash between Venezuela and Japan at 19:00.