The national baseball team has won Pool A of the World Baseball Classic, edging Japan 1-0 to close out the Asian qualifiers.

In the top of the fourth inning at the Tokyo Dome Monday night, Kim Tae-hyun hit a single off Japanese starter Hisashi Iwakuma, bringing in Lee Jong-wook from second base for the only run of the game.

Korea had suffered a humiliating 14-2 loss Saturday against Japan, but redeemed itself with Monday's win. The pitching duel was won by Korean lefthander Bong Jung-keun.

Bong allowed just three hits over five and a third innings for the win. Lim Chang-yong pitched the final one and two thirds for the save.

Losing pitcher Iwakuma also went five and a third, striking out five and walking three.

Star Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki said he was angry with the loss.

Korea claimed the top spot in Pool A with a 3-1 record. Japan finished second at 2-1.

Both will join the top two teams from Pool B for the second round of the tournament, which begins March 15th at San Diego's PETCO Park. Japanese Manager Tatsunori Hara said that he is looking forward to Korea and Japan showing the world how good Asian baseball is.