Japan qualified for the gold medal game by defeating hosts Mexico 3-2, a result which confirmed 13th-ranked Australia’s ticket into the final after they had beaten Panama 8-4 earlier in the day.

Mexico fell 2-0 behind in the fifth inning, when Taishi Hirooka’s ball was misplayed by third baseman Luis Fernando Medina Ponce.

They answered back with two runs in the seventh courtesy of Carlos Andres Diaz Chavez, but a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the ninth allowed Tomo Otosaka to score the game-winning run for Japan.

Houston Astros prospect Connor MacDonald, meanwhile, belted two home runs for Australia - a solo home run in the second inning to start the scoring and a three-run blast that put his country 7-0 ahead in the fifth inning.

The intense battle saw the benches clear twice in the seventh inning after MacDonald was hit by a pitch.

Panama tried to mount a late attack, outhitting their opponents 12 to 10, but Australia’s defence used multiple double-plays to limit any major damage.

Prior to tomorrow’s final, world number three-ranked South Korea will face Panama in the bronze medal match after they defeated Nicaragua 13-8 to secure fourth spot in the round-robin group.

In the consolation round, Argentina defeated Czech Republic 9-2, while South Africa overcame Austria 9-3.

Tomorrow’s concluding consolation matches see Austria meet Venezuela, South Africa face Argentina, and Czech Republic go up against leaders Chinese Taipei.