United States eased past Italy to get back to winning ways ©WBSC

Reigning champions United States took their frustrations out on Italy with a huge 28-1 victory at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan.

The Americans, who are aiming for a fourth title in a row at the Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadium, suffered a shock 7-6 defeat to Venezuela two days ago and their scheduled clash with South Korea yesterday was postponed due to rain.

It meant they had to wait to bounce back and they did so ruthlessly with 11 runs in the first inning.

First baseman Lucas Tinajero scored two home runs in the rout with the game ended in the fourth on the mercy rule.

The US have moved up to third in Group B following their win, with South Korea still topping the pile after recording a third victory in three.

They edged the Venezuelans 6-5 to leave the South Americans fourth on two wins and two defeats.

Mexico sit third on three wins and a defeat after they thrashed Australia 21-2.

The Australians are bottom and are yet to get off the mark.

Italy, on one victory and three losses, are fifth in the group.

In Group A, Japan made it four victories from four by demolishing wildcard side Fiji, who have been described as "absolute beginners" by the WBSC, 30-0.

Takuto Suzuki scored two home runs in another game ended in the fourth inning.

Japan were far too strong for Fiji and kept their 100 per cent record intact ©WBSC
Japan were far too strong for Fiji and kept their 100 per cent record intact ©WBSC

Hosts Chinese Taipei, the runners-up at the last three tournaments behind the US, recovered from yesterday's defeat to Japan by beating Czech Republic 16-0.

They now sit second on three wins and one defeat.

Cuba beat South Africa 13-0 and now have the same record as the Czechs, two wins and two losses.

South Africa are fifth with one win and three defeats with winless Fiji last.

Group action will continue tomorrow.

In Group A, Japan will meet South Africa with Czech Republic playing Cuba and Chinese Taipei meeting Fiji.

Group B sees the US against Mexico, Australia against Venezuela and South Korea against Italy.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the super round where results will carry over, with the top two teams in this then contesting the final on August 4.

The picture for this phase will only be complete once the US and South Korea have played their rearranged game on Wednesday (July 31).

All WBSC age group events count towards the organisation's overall national rankings.