GB U23s show their mettle against Japan in rain shortened game but go down 4-1

Torrential rain cut short a close game in China which saw GB U23s lose out against world ranked number one Japan in their last opening round game.

The rain interrupted game was finally called at the bottom of the fifth inning with GB fighting hard to close the three run gap.

Japan got runs on the board early through a two run home run by first baseman Ryo Imazato in the top of the first.

GB hit back in the bottom of the second after right fielderJames Quinn-Irons hit a ground rule double to centre field.

A sac fly by third baseman Michael Flaherty scored Quinn-Irons to put GB on the board to cut the deficit to one run.

GB shortstop Wallace Clark making a play in today's game against Japan

Neither side troubled the scorers in third inning and then rain stopped the game during the fourth inning after Japan had added a single run.

Once the game resumed there was time for Japan to add one more before more rain brought the game to a close.

GB's Sam Hutchinson struck out four Japanese batters over his three innings pitched

GB pitchers Paul Lambdin, Sam Hutchinson and Eddie Taylor pitched well to limit the Japanese offense striking out seven batters between them.

At 3.00 am on Thursday morning, GB take on South Africa in the first of the placement round games. Future opponents will be finalised after the completion of all the opening round matches today.

All photographs courtesy of WBSC