Justin Smoak started things off in the third inning with his sixth home run of the World Cup. With a runner on first base, Smoak hit a two-run home run down the left-field line to put the U.S. ahead early. Terry Tiffee followed with a solo home run to left center for the 3-0 lead.
Team USA added an insurance run in the seventh inning when Trevor Plouffe placed a double down the right-field line to score Tug Hulett from second base securing the victory for the U.S.
USA starter Lincoln (1-0) allowed one run and struck out five batters in his second start of the tournament for the win. Nate Field got his first save, striking out one batter in the ninth inning.
Smoak's home run tied the USA Baseball World Cup record for home runs by an individual player in a tournament. Tino Martinez (6) set the record at the 1988 Baseball World Cup.
The U.S. has a day off, Wednesday, Sept. 16, but will face Chinese Taipei, Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET) at Stadio Paschetto Baseball 1 in Torino, Italy. Todd Redmond (1-0) is expected to take the mound for the Red, White and Blue.
Game Notes:
The game lasted 2 hours and 47 minutes.
USA Baseball Professional Teams now hold a 7-4 all time record versus Japan in international competition since 1999.
