Japan and South Korea join Cuba and Mexico in Round 2, Pool 1, of the 2009 World Baseball Classic beginning Sunday in San Diego. As expected, the Asian rivals advanced after finishing as the winner (Korea) and runnerup (Japan) in the Asia Round completed at Tokyo Dome on March 9.
That series which also included China and Taiwan was a whirlwind of activity on and off the field with some interesting games, a curious format and a gathering of baseball personalities from Asia and other countries.
Japan had to settle for second place, losing to South Korea 1-0 last Monday, although the host nation embarrassed the Korean club 14-2 two days prior to that, and many fans questioned why South Korea was the winner of Pool A after each team won twice in the round.