Jojima hit a homer

The Japanese 'Dream Team', made up of pro players, turned on the style in the third place match.

But they were left to rue what might have been after Tuesday's shock defeat by Australia in the semi-finals.

Catcher Kenji Jojima hit a home run in the first innings and Takuya Kimura also got on the scoresheet as Japan handed out a baseball lesson.

But there was no disguising the Japanese disappointment at missing out on the ultimate prize.

"We came here looking for the gold," admitted designated hitter Kazuhiro Wada.

"We had the players and the power to take the gold, and I can't say that I'm completely satisfied with the results here.

"But when we took the field together in this game for the last time as a team, we came together and showed what we can really do."

Japanese manager Kiyoshi Nakahata insisted responsibility for the 1-0 defeat by Australia rested with him.

"The players deserved a medal and should be fully satisfied with the bronze they earned. As for the loss of the gold, I take that on myself," he said.