Two runs scored in the top of the first inning by Japan set the tone in the country"s 6-2 victory over Canada Thursday at the ISF Junior Men"s Fast Pitch Championship.

The win improved Japan"s record to 7-2, while dropping Canada to 8-2.

"I tip my hat to Team Japan," said Canada"s head coach Tom Doucette. "They executed their short game very well."

Right from the initial inning, Japan showed off its talent for advancing runners on base. The team managed to score twice in the first inning on two hits and a Canadian throwing error.

Japan scored another run in the second inning, before Canada drove in a run of its own in the third to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Japan added another three runs before Canada hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to the delight of the crowd, who cheered "Let"s go Canada!" in support.

The celebration would be short-lived as Japan's pitcher settled down and was able to get out of the seventh without giving up any additional runs.

Canada finished the game with six hits and two errors, while Japan had 10 hits and no errors.

"We're good," said Canadian pitcher Devon McCullough. "We just have to come back tomorrow and get down to business."

Canada will conclude the round robin tonight against the United States at 7:30 p.m. on Field One.