A five-run sixth inning propelled the United States to a 7-2 victory over the Republic of Korea and into the championship game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

With the win in Thursday’s semifinal, the U.S. is now set to face host nation Japan in the gold medal game Saturday at 6 a.m. ET, while South Korea will take on the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal game Friday at 11 p.m.

Six U.S. batters recorded a hit against South Korea, with designated hitter Tyler Austin and center fielder Jack López leading the charge by posting a pair of 2-for-4 performances with two RBIs apiece.

Catcher Mark Kolozsvary came through and filled the box score with a 1-for-3 game, which included two runs scored, an RBI, a walk and a stolen base, while left fielder Jamie Westbrook crushed a solo home run in the fourth inning to jumpstart his own 2-for-4 day at the dish.

Minnesota Twins prospect Joe Ryan got the start for the Stars and Stripes, working 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision before handing the ball over to winning pitcher Ryder Ryan and the rest of the United States' bullpen.

By guaranteeing at least a gold or silver medal Saturday, U.S. second baseman Eddy Alvarez will become just the third American and sixth Olympian to medal in both the Winter and Summer Olympics. The 31-year-old Alvarez won a speed skating silver medal in the 2014 Sochi Olympics before embarking on a professional baseball career with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins. He made his Major League debut with Miami on Aug. 5, 2020.

• The Olympic Diaries, from Eddy Alvarez

The U.S. and Japan met earlier this week during the tournament’s group stage with Japan securing a 7-6 victory in extra innings.