They inflicted a first defeat to Chinese Taipei at the Miyoshi Kinsai Stadium as they prevailed 2-0 in a tight contest.

It was neck and neck until the third and fourth innings when Japan amassed a run in both courtesy of Iori Miura and Akari Hoshikawa.

More than 2,400 spectators were in attendance to will their team on in the top of the table clash.

"I am really pleased and proud that we were able to showcase such a high-level women's baseball game to such a large number of fans," said Japan's manager Risa Nakashima.

Despite the loss, Chinese Taipei have still clinched their place in next year's finals thanks to the other results on the penultimate day of action.

Venezuela won an extra inning thriller 8-7 against Cuba after Ruclaireth Tovar clinched the winning score from a Srishna Arciniega single.

The best performance for the eventual winners was that of right fielder Abril Marin.

Marin notched three hits, one run, and one run batted in from four at bats to give her side a second victory of the competition.

The first match of the day saw Puerto Rico brush aside France with a commanding 13-3 victory.

Group B action is set to conclude tomorrow as France take on Chinese Taipei, Venezuela meet Puerto Rico, and Japan face Cuba.