Japan got eight strong innings from ace Tadashi Settsu to claim an important 6-2 win over Panama on Sunday to inch closer to qualifying for the next round.

Japan (3-2) opened the scoring in the second to take a 1-0 lead. The Japanese, led by centerfielder Hisayoshi Chono who was 2-for-4, clobbered four doubles while increasing the score to 6-0 after five frames.

Settsu (2-0) tossed eight scoreless innings before hitting the showers. The right-hander struck out seven while giving up on three hits to pick up his second victory of the tournament.

Panama spoiled the shutout with a pair of meaningless runs in the final inning off Japanese reliever Hideto Isomura who was tagged for three hits in a shaky appearance.

First baseman Francisco De La Torre and teammate Jonathan Vega both went 2-for-4 for Panama which was limited to six hits by Japanese pitchers. Panama starter Ramon Ramirez surrendered four runs on five hits in just three innings to get the loss.

Panama will meet Taiwan in a crucial Group A contest on Tuesday while Japan will be looking to eliminate Italy when the two teams square off that same day.

Tags: World Cup