After the hosts had dominated on the hill in securing shut-out victories against Mexico and Colombia, the hitters helped their side emerge with victory at Rosedale Park despite a mixed effort from the pitching staff.
Nathan Nukunuku - a late call-up to the squad after initially being excluded - blasted a two-run home run, while veteran Thomas Makea also drove in a pair of runs as part of a five-run second inning. Brad Rona provided the other telling contribution with the bat, hitting a two-run homer in the fifth to all but seal the game.
The offensive outburst ensured New Zealand overcame a rocky outing from starting pitcher Nik Hayes to pass the first true test of their title credentials.
Hayes, a world championship rookie, earned the start after an impressive no-hit relief performance against Mexico, but he was pulled in the second inning today after struggling with command. Heinie Shannon didn't last any longer before being forced from the game through injury, with Jeremy Manley eventually shutting down the Japanese to stake his claim to be the first-choice starter.
The American-based Manley tossed 4.2 shut-out innings, allowing just one hit and showing why he is considered the big hope of the pitching staff.
Altogether, it was a solid performance from the Black Sox as they seek to win back the title lost to Australia four years ago. The five-time champions cemented themselves among the tournament favourites and they have a chance to build on that status tomorrow night when they face traditional rivals Canada.
Today, the game sparked to life in the second inning when Japan forced Hayes from the hill after scoring the opening run on a bases-loaded hit by pitch. Shannon came into the game in relief and got the final out with the bags full, momentum the Black Sox batters took into the bottom half of the inning.
After Rona was hit and Jarrad Martin reached on an error, Makea - playing in his fifth world championship - hit a two-run double to grab the lead. The left fielder then showed his smarts on the bases by scoring from second on an infield single by Tyron Bartorillo, before Nukunuku crushed a two-run shot to centre field to make it 5-1.
Japan hit back in the third when Tadaaki Saeki scored on an infield hit, with Shannon coming up lame after attempting the force at home. The pitcher limped off having secured only two outs, leaving Manley to finish the inning without trouble.
With Manley holding the Japanese hitters in check, Rona added to the lead with a home run to left to score Donny Hale and bring to an end the scoring.
