PLAY OF THE GAME — Jaxon Mayervich RBI: It took until the sixth inning for the first run of the game. Jaxon Mayervich broke the stalemate in the top half with a knock to left field, driving in Braedyn Lai Hainstock to pull ahead late.

CANADA PLAYER OF THE GAME — Jaxon Mayervich: Having started with first baseman duties, Mayervich relieved starter Lucas Weisser on the mound in the second inning to pull Canada out of a bases-loaded situation.

Takarazuka once again loaded the bases in the fourth inning and Mayervich again dialed in and struck out his batter for the third out, pulling Canada out of yet another jam to keep the game scoreless.

Mayervich, after a 4 for 4 night at the plate against Australia, dominated on the other side of the field with 10 strikeouts and just three hits across 76 pitches in 4 1/3 innings of work.

JAPAN PLAYER OF THE GAME — Ryo Ayabe: Takarazuka’s starting pitcher struck out six with four hits let up across 70 pitches in five innings. He gave up two of Canada’s six runs in the top of the sixth before he was relieved by Kaito Ohta.

At the plate, Ayabe went 2 for 2 and reached base on all three of his plate appearances. He received a standing ovation from both fan sections after pitching five thrilling innings.

BIG INNING — Top of the sixth inning: Canada took five scoreless innings-worth of frustration out on Japan by shelling out a run for each scoreless frame.

Vancouver dished out six runs off Mayervich’s RBI, a sacrifice bunt from Ellis St. James, a three RBI double from Benjamin Dartnell and another run brought in on an error.

BEST EFFORT — In the midst of a pitcher’s duel where leverage was hard to come by, Japan’s offense was able to load the bases twice despite being able to capitalize on jamming up British Columbia.

FLASHING LEATHER — With one out and two runners on, Japan first baseman Sosuke Tomimoto stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the first inning with the game deadlocked.

Tomimoto lined out into a double play to Mayervich at first base. Canada’s flashy defensive play worked around a one-out walk and single from Ayabe.

WHAT THE ADULTS SAY — “Really just keeping it focused and keeping the boys follow through with what they were told to do,” Vancouver manager Ulysses Yan said. “We knew Japan was the favorite coming into this game. We knew the more we kept it close, the more pressure is on them. Just keep on battling the whole way.”

Japan’s translator was unavailable for the postgame press conference.

WHAT THE KIDS SAY — “I think so, a little bit,” Dartnell said on he and Mayervitch pushing each other. “I guess you’re trying to stay on pace with the other guy, but (also) just trying to win as a team. It’s not that big a deal if you don’t do as well or they’re better than you.

WHAT IT MEANS — Takarazuka, Japan manager Sangho Lee and Kannon Suzuki were out for the game for health and safety protocols. Keigo Kume had managerial duties for Japan.

Canada has now shut out its first two opponents of the Little League World Series and has outscored opponents 13-0. British Columbia will now face Mexico at 5 p.m. Monday at Volunteer Stadium. Japan falls to the elimination bracket and will take on the winner between Puerto Rico and Nicaragua at 1 p.m. Sunday at Volunteer.