Samurai D18 wins with 1 shot… Director Mabuchi’s obsession with main flag gun Asano | Full Account

1-0 to the Netherlands, 5 innings of rain.

The Super Row second game of the “30th WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup” (Sarasota, Florida, USA) was held on the 16th (17th Japan time), and the Japanese national baseball team “SAMURAI JAPAN” beat U -18 Netherlands 1-0, with only one shot and five wins in the rain-cold. He showed tenacious control, such as making the main gun, outfielder Shogo Asano (Takamatsusho), bunt, and coach Shiro Mabuchi looked back and said, “There is no way to beat Asano.”

Japan had lost 0-8 to the Korean Representative the day before (16th) and were unable to advance to the final on their own. Coach Shiro Mabuchi moved in a game where he would lose his position in 5th or lower. In the 3rd inning, which was 0-0, fielder Yasujun Fujimori (Tenri) hit a bunt and walked first and second bases.

500 batting average (7 hits in 14 innings), 1 home run and 4 RBI in the opening round. He firmly decided on the third base line, expanded his chances with one out, second and third base, and scored the opening goal between the following two basemen from the field Yoshinobu Kuroda (with Kyushu International University).

In the game, starting pitcher Tsugutaka Kawahara (Osaka Toin) pitched well in the fifth inning with three hits and no runs, with six strikeouts. At the end of the 5th inning, rain came cold and Toranoko defended the 1 point. Manager Mabuchi said with a wry smile, “I don’t remember ever winning with one shot,” while praising his right-hander, who has won three games in three games in this tournament and continues to keep clean sheets, said, “Today is about Kawahara.”

He explained why he ordered Asano to punt, saying, “In Kawahara’s case today, I can get away with one or two points.” He revealed that he had no hesitation, saying, “There is no way to beat Asano.” The manager’s orders have paid off, and Japan is confirmed to be in the top 4 or higher. If they win big against the US on the 17th (18th), depending on other matches, there is still a possibility of advancing to the finals.