Two days ago, the USA was looking like a long shot for the playoffs, but after three straight wins they’re making opponents sit up and take notice.

Huge wins against Mexico and Japan gave the Americans a renewed confidence heading into yesterday’s action.

While they stumbled temporarily in their game against Singapore, an 8-4 win launched them into third place in the overall standings.

“We weren’t considered one of the elite five coming in, but that’s OK,” said head coach Tim Lyon. “You have to earn that respect. We’re young.”

USA jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning against Singapore, thanks to an error and two wild pitches.

They would add another run in the second when Faron Apauty Jr. drove Tyler Bouley home with a single.

Singapore began their rally attempt in the bottom of the third with a walk and two singles, followed by a massive two-run homer off the bat of Malcolm Lim.

But the Americans replaced starting pitcher Collin Hopkins with Ryker Chason in the fifth, and Chason shut down Singapore the rest of the way, recording six strikeouts over three innings.

USA tacked on insurance runs from Colton Nielson and Jimbo Pernetti, improving their record at the tournament to 5-2.

“It’s been a good ride,” said Lyon. “When you pick a team, you don’t know how they’re going to come together, but we’ve done well. We’re sitting in a nice spot now, in control of our destiny.”

It’s the opposite situation for the Japanese, who have had two days they would rather forget.

Japan was undefeated through the first four days of the world championship, but tough losses to New Zealand and the USA Tuesday, followed by yesterday’s 8-1 loss to Argentina, leave them in a tie for fourth at 4-3.

Japan became the first team to score a run on Argentina at the tournament, however.

In afternoon action yesterday, New Zealand rebounded from their loss to Argentina with a 6-2 win over the Czech Republic.

Connor Peden ripped a two-run triple for the Junior Black Sox while Te Kahui Bishop had three hits on the night. Ethan Johnston recorded the win on the mound.

Patrik Kopecny led the Czechs with two hits and a run.

Today’s action will begin at 2:30 with Denmark taking on Mexico. Argentina will attempt to keep its perfect record intact against the USA at 5, and Canada faces Japan at 7:30 p.m.