Japan squashed the Italians quarter-final hopes with a decisive 10-0 win on Tuesday in Group A action.

Japanese starter Takashi Saito manhandled the Italian lineup for five scoreless innings allowing only two hits while racking up seven strikeouts. Relievers Shoji Matsuoka and Junichi Tazawa both tossed a perfect inning to preserve the shutout.

Toshiyuki Hayashi was 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBI’s and Hisayoshi Chone had a pair of hits and knocked in two scores as Japan put seven runs on the board in the fourth frame to seal a berth in the quarter-finals.

Japan tagged Roberto Corradini for five runs in three innings and Sandy Patrone with two runs to claim their fourth tournament victory. The Japanes will meet Spain on Wednesday in their group finale.

Italy, which has dropped two straight key matchups, will square off against Mexico on Wednesday in their final game of the tournament.

Tags: World Cup