TOKYO — Ichiro Suzuki's hitting slump was extended Sunday when Japan defeated the Yomiuri Giants 2-1 in a warm-up game for the World Baseball Classic.

The Seattle Mariners outfielder was moved into the leadoff spot after batting third in Japan's previous warm-up games but went hitless in five at-bats.

Suzuki was also hitless in Saturday's 7-2 loss to the Seibu Lions.

Japan scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning on a wild pitch by Yomiuri reliever Wirfin Obisbo.

Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Boston Red Sox came on in the third inning and had a solid outing, holding the Giants to one hit over three scoreless innings.

Led by Yomiuri Giants manager Tatsunori Hara, Japan will begin the defense of its title when the tournament begins Thursday.

Japan is in Group A with South Korea, Taiwan and China. The top two teams advance to the second round of the 16-nation tournament. The final is scheduled for March 23 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.