Ryu Hyun-jin went the distance, scattering five hits and striking out six on the way to a 1-0 shutout of Canada (box here). The win puts Korea atop the standings with Cuba*, setting up a crucial Saturday night matchup with arch rivals Japan.

Korea’s lone run came on a 3rd inning home run off the bat of Jeong Keun-woo, a shot to left that narrowly cleared the fence. Ryu wasn’t overpowering, but locating the ball well on both sides of the plate. He walked three as Canada left a total of eight men on base. Canada’s starter Mike Johnson was solid despite walking five and surrendering the big fly.

This was a solid win for Korea over a hungry Canada team that was a tough luck loser last night. However, Kim’s move to run the table with Ryu was extremely questionable and showed a lack of confidence in his bullpen, which wasn’t used at all the day before in the rainout versus China. He clearly had no interest in turning to Han Ki-joo after his Gagnesque (hat tip Chef) performance on Monday, and the only pitcher he had warming up at all during the game was lefty Jang Won-sam, who will be unavailable against Japan because he threw about five innings in the pen.

Not that Korea really needs Jang against Japan, and it will be a good for Kim to have all his pitchers available for the game. But he dodged a bullet tonight leaving Ryu in as he did.

Japan also won (box), sending the Netherlands to its second straight shutout. Toshiya Sugiuchi went seven innings, giving up four hits and striking out six. Japan was powered by Takahiro Arai, who was 2 for 4 including a triple that drove in two runs during  a four run first  inning. Takahiko Sato added a HR in the eighth to make the score 6-0.