Japan advances to the Super Round with 4 wins, 1 loss and a 2nd place finish
Japan’s “Samurai Japan” U-18 national baseball team suffered its first loss. The “30th WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup” was held on the 13th (14th Japan time) in Sarasota, Florida, USA, where they lost to Chinese Taipei 2-9. The team advanced to the Super Round in 2nd place with 4 wins and 1 loss, but manager Shiro Mabuchi looked back on the game, saying, “It’s a 7 innings system, and the 4 points are in the stages early heavy, very heavy.”
In the second inning, starting pitcher Kazuki Kozai (with Kyushu International University) pinch-hit with the bases loaded with two outs and left the field. Pitcher Akiya Miyahara (Kaisei), who came up to the mound at second, gave up four runs, including a timely three-base hit that put out the runners in right center. In the 3rd inning, he lost 4 points due to mistakes, and it became a development that allowed a big lead in the early stage.
Coach Mabuchi said, “I didn’t get enough balls and I didn’t get on well with the referee.”I thought it would be better to go for a walk, but when I asked (the player) from the bench, he seemed right in the middle.
The race course was ruled a ball, and as a result, the bases were loaded with two outs, and as a result, Matsuo said, “If you don’t get it right in the middle, you won’t have it. a ball to throw.” This is the difficulty of an international game. If you are not a pitcher who has power and can blow, you may not be able to get 1st or 2nd.
In the Super Round, the results of the opening round will be carried over, but “there is still a possibility (of winning). The difference is only one point. If Taiwan fails to win, it will be a draw. It will won’t be so easy. I think I can see through some of my weaknesses.”
(Full Account editorial section)
