Defending Classic champs win tuneup exhibition vs. Giants

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- If anybody knows what it takes to win in San Diego, it is Giants manager Bruce Bochy.

What the former Padres manager sees in Team Japan is a winner.

"They have good fundamentals," the manager said after Japan defeated his club, 6-4, in an exhibition game at Scottsdale Stadium. "They have good pitching and defense."

Pitching and defense just might be the biggest keys to Japan's success this weekend at PETCO Park in the second round of the World Baseball Classic. The Japanese team is not known for its power and the expansive gaps at the San Diego park could work in the club's favor.

Familiarity with the facility might also be a factor.

Japan clinched the World Baseball Classic title at PETCO Park in 2006.

"Adapting to the conditions of the U.S. is important," Japan manager Tatsunori Hara said. "But most importantly is staying within your game."

Their game so far has been a success. In the first game of Pool A action, Japan defeated China, 4-0, and it topped Korea, 14-2, in seven innings in the country's second game. In the pool's finale, Korea defeated Japan, 1-0.

Of the club's 25 base hits, five are doubles and three are home runs.

"We need everybody to be ready and that's good for us," Hara said. "Physical and mental condition is going to be important in the second round."

Korea and Cuba, along with Mexico, will join Japan in San Diego in the second round. Expect Japan to be ready. The team landed in Arizona on Monday night after a 12-hour flight from Tokyo and held a practice Tuesday afternoon. After Wednesday's victory, Japan hopes to continue the momentum Thursday against the Cubs and starter Carlos Zambrano in Mesa, Ariz.

Jet lag is no longer a problem, at least not for Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

"It is easier to make adjustments playing in the sun," Ichiro said. "I feel like I'm at home here."

He looks like it.

The perennial All-Star is hitting .286 (3-for-14) in three World Baseball Classic games this year. On Wednesday, he went 1-for-3 with a run scored and two stolen bases. Against Giants ace Tim Lincecum, Ichiro went 0-for-1 with walk and a groundout to second base.

Lincecum, a Washington native, grew up a Mariners fan.

"It's a little different," Lincecum said. "All those guys have those distinguished swings. It's a little different over there. But you still see that it's ball over there. They're disciplined and guys like Ichiro are still trying to get their work in and still trying to do their thing. They're still bringing that competition over here outside of the WBC."

Ichiro said Lincecum threw good pitches but found it hard to evaluate the young pitcher because it is a Spring Training game.

As for Lincecum, he gave up one hit and struck out five hitters in 2 1/3 innings. He also walked three batters in the 49-pitch start. Japan starter Masahiro Tanaka was charged with two runs on three hits in two innings. He threw 32 pitches in the outing.

On offense, Michihiro Ogasawara scored Japan's first run of the game in the fourth inning on a sacrifice by Akinori Iwamura. Infielder Munenori Kawasaki hit a double that scored two runs to tie the game at 4 in the eventful four-run sixth inning. Norichika Aoki went 3-for-4.

"Some of the players struggled with the conditions [at Scottsdale Stadium]," Hara said. "It's a new experience for them."

Japan will not have that problem in San Diego.