PLAY OF THE GAME — Facing a bases loaded scenario up 6-1 in the fourth inning, Japan relieving pitcher Yohei Yamaguchi didn’t let the pressure get to him, striking out Mexico first baseman Marko Mejia to earn his team the final out it needed to conclude the inning.

In a game where it was in control for most of the game, it all could’ve fallen apart if Japan failed to get out of that situation.

JAPAN PLAYER OF THE GAME –Akito Masuda: After effectively closing Japan’s no-hitter against Cuba, pitcher Akito Masuda drew the start for the game against Mexico. He pitched well, giving up just one run through 3 2/3 innings and striking out four batters.

His play early on provided Japan with a good amount of momentum early, which carried through to the other pitchers once he was subbed out.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Japan's Kosuke Nohira is hit in the helmet by a pitch in the third inning.

MEXICO PLAYER OF THE GAME — Right fielder Jorge Lizarraga: Lizarraga was a bright spot on an offense that was largely nonexistent this game, attributing two of the team’s three hits on the day and going a perfect 2-of-2 from the plate.

BIG INNING — Though Mexico was already reeling following the third inning, falling behind 4-1, the fourth inning zapped it of all the momentum it had left. In the top of the inning, Japan loaded the bases with singles, eventually scoring two runs off a sacrifice fly and walk.

Then, it failed to capitalize on a bases loaded scenario on offense, in a situation where it desperately needed to score. Following that inning, the score remained the same until the final out.

BEST EFFORT — Despite losing by five runs, the score could’ve been a lot worse had Mexico not been so effective at getting out of rough spots at the end of innings. It got out of multiple instances where Japan had the bases loaded, keeping themselves in position to make things interesting.

FLASHING LEATHER — Through two games, Japan has allowed just one run and three hits, all of which occurred tonight. Defensive performances like this should continue to fuel it, as it looks to continue progressing through the winners’ side of the bracket.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Mexico second baseman Alfredo Chacon barely snags a ground ball before throwing to first base for an out in the first inning.

WHAT THE ADULTS SAY — “Our most important aspect is our pitchers,” said Francisco Fimbres through an interpreter when asked about the loss. “Unfortunately, our pitchers weren’t great today, I think we lost because of that. It wasn’t our day but we’re going to keep fighting for it.”

Japan manager Toyo Hirooka on defensive success: “Our eight pitchers are the same level; I think they did a great job pitching. That’s the most important thing for me.”

WHAT THE KIDS SAY — Starting pitcher Akito Masuda on his pitching today: “I gave up the one run against Mexico, but I changed my mentality for the next innings.”

WHAT IT MEANS — Japan advances in winners to face off against Chinese Taipei Monday at 5 p.m. Mexico gets sent to losers, where it’ll face elimination against the winner of Czech Republic versus Canada, which takes place Friday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Mexico second baseman Alfredo Chacon tosses to first base for an out in the first inning.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Mexico's Jorge Lizarraga tries to score amid the confusion of a double steal at second base as Japan pitcher Akito Masuda fields the throw for the tag in the first inning.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Mexico’s Jorge Lizarraga slides under the tag of Japan shortstop Hinata Uchigaki on a bunt in the first inning on Friday at Volunteer Stadium.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Japan's Akito Masuda celebrates after hitting a double in the first inning.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Japan's Daimu Nakano celebrates after hitting a double in the first inning.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Japan starting pitcher Akito Masuda.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Japan third baseman Sota Kayanuma bare hands a ground ball on a bunt in the first inning