Corresponding Report
December 4, 2023
Preliminary Round of 30th BFA Asian Championship
On December 4th, the preliminary round of Group B of the 30th BFA Asian Championship in Taipei and Taichung, Taiwan commenced with an intense match between Japan’s Samurai National Amateur Team and Pakistan. The game took place at Taipei Dome and ended with a resounding victory for Japan, with a final score of 14-0 in the seventh inning.
Despite early stiffness, Coach Tomoyasu Kawaguchi motivated the players to give their best, focusing on showcasing the appeal of adult baseball. Their efforts paid off as they secured a convincing win against Pakistan, a team that has shown progressive improvement in recent years.
During the match, Japan’s players demonstrated their talent and determination, with Kosuke Aizawa from Toyota Motors leading the charge with a clutch performance. The team’s strategy, based on a combination of data analysis and individual player strengths, proved to be effective, leading to a remarkable win.
Impressive Performance
The game witnessed standout performances, including Motoyama Mukaiyama’s exceptional batting, which contributed significantly to Japan’s overwhelming victory. Mitsunori Kato, the team’s opening pitcher, displayed exceptional skill and spirit, thwarting any potential counter attacks from the opposing team.
While Pakistan’s pitchers, including Musharraf Khan and Amaan Khan, exhibited their prowess, it was ultimately Japan’s cohesive teamwork and individual brilliance that secured their triumph.
Looking Ahead
Following their triumphant start in the preliminary round, Japan is now gearing up for their upcoming match against the Philippines. Coach Kawaguchi expressed optimism and emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum as they strive to progress to the Super Round, where they will face strong opponents from Chinese Taipei and South Korea.
Player Perspectives
Several key players, including Mitsunori Kato, Motoyama Mukaiyama, and Ryosuke Aizawa, shared their insights on the game, highlighting the team’s collective effort and individual contributions that led to their victory. They echoed a sense of determination and commitment as they look ahead to future challenges in the tournament.
30th BFA Asian Championship Overview
Players Conference Overview
Tournament Period: December 3 – December 10, 2023
Opening Round (Group B)
- Monday, December 4th 19:30 – Japan 14-0 Pakistan
- December 5th (Tuesday) 19:30 – Thailand vs. Japan
- Wednesday, December 6th 19:30 – Japan vs. Philippines
- * Start time is Japan time (Taiwan: time difference -1 hour)
Super Round: December 8th – December 9th
3rd Place Deciding Game/Final: Sunday, December 10th
Location: Taiwan (Taipei・Taichung)
Participating Countries and Regions:
- Group A: Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Hong Kong, Palestine
- Group B: Japan, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand
Corresponding report
December 4, 2023
On December 4th, the Preliminary Round of Group B of the 30th BFA Asian Championship (held in Taipei and Taichung, Taiwan until December 10th) began. Japan’s Samurai National Amateur Team played against Pakistan at the Taipei Dome, winning their first game 14-0 in the seventh inning.
In the pre-game meeting, coach Tomoyasu Kawaguchi told the players, “Let’s convey the appeal of adult baseball. Let’s do our best and believe in ourselves.” Despite some stiffness in the early stages, “the players showed their strengths,” said Coach Kawaguchi, as they won points against Pakistan, who have been steadily gaining strength in recent years.
In the first round, Musharraf Khan, an 18-year-old 196cm tall man, limited all three players to retirement. However, in the second inning, Kosuke Aizawa (Toyota Motors), selected as the No. 4 starter, carried the ball into left field, giving the team momentum. Then, a walk and two strikeouts opened up more opportunities, and Aizawa hit a home run between captain Jin Nakamura’s (NTT East) second baseman and scored the first point.
In the following third inning, Manager Kawaguchi said, “Based on the data of the JABA tournament where the Japan Championship was held, the intercity competition, and the preliminary round and the main game of the Japan Championship, we had the highest OPS (forward). -base percentage + slugging percentage).”Motoyama Mukaiyama (NTT East), designated as the No. 2 batter in Kata, added two runs by hitting a timely shot to right field despite being forced into a corner. From now on, I picked up the pace completely.
In the 4th inning, they added 3 points with a timely shot by Takuki Nakagawa (Honda Suzuka) and a 2 point shot by Mukaiyama. In the 5th inning, Aizawa created an opportunity with a double, and Takamasa Inohara (Miki House) hit a timely hit, pushing him out, Koya Yano (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries East) hit a timely hit, Mukaiyama hit a 2-run home run, which was his 6th RBI of the day, and Maruyama hit a home run. Soushi (ENEOS) had a timely hit, and pinch hitter Ren Onishi (JR East Tohoku) had a timely hit, immediately scoring 8 points.
Mitsunori Kato (ENEOS), appointed as the team’s opening pitcher, offered a great spirit and his voice echoed through the dome. any chance of a counter attack.
Pakistan also had not only Musharraf Khan, who set straight games in the low-to-mid 140km range as a starter, but also Amaan Khan, who played at No.4, who is an 18-year-old right-hander with a height of 196cm, and he set fastballs in the middle range 140km. Mukaiyama got a strike out, and the batting line also showed tenacity, allowing a total of three hits in the sixth and seventh innings.
However, for the Japan Samurai National Amateur Team, Ryota Kudo (Shin-Etsu Baseball Club) in the 6th inning and Rakuo Katayama (NTT East) in the 7th inning kept them scoreless, resulting in a game of the name with a difference of at least 10. points in the 7th inning as per tournament regulations. After the game, the two teams congratulated each other on their good performance as the many fans who had gathered gave them a big applause even though it was not a game against their home team, Chinese Taipei.
The second match of the qualifier against the Philippines will be on the 5th at 7:30pm Japan time. They hope to continue playing good games as they head towards the Super Round, where Chinese Taipei and South Korea are expected to progress.
Coach/Player Comments Coach Tomoyasu Kawaguchi
“Kato’s signature pitching with all his heart gave the team momentum. The Pakistan pitchers (Musharraf Khan, Amaan Khan, and Muhammad Aslam, who came second). As a baseball person, I was happy to have such a sharp pitcher in Pakistan. He was a pitcher who could be used in adult baseball. I think the key is for Mukaiyama to hit and connect. So, they did a good job. I hope the players can get feeling of the game in the first three games.”
Mitsunori Kato (ENEOS)
“I was nervous as it was my first game, but I made sure I got rid of the first batter of the innings. Along with the catcher Tsujimoto, we were able to build up one out at a time. The voices echoed above, but I didn’t care about it and pitch. The batting lineup was prone to extra-base hits, so I was careful about that. I want to be able to look back and say that I did well, not only today, but throughout this tournament. I want.”
Mojio Mukayama (NTT East Japan)
“Instead of connecting, I hit with the idea of returning the runner with an extra-base hit. The Pakistan pitcher was over 140 kg, so I was able to hit at my own range, and even when I was forced into a corner, I was able to hit without stress. I think this is a member of the team who is looking forward to the Asian Games (held in Aichi Prefecture) in three years, so hopefully I can promote myself and lead the way. “
Ryosuke Aizawa (Toyota Motors)
“(Two hits in response to pitcher No. 4) No matter what number I was in the batting order, I stepped up to the plate trying to make my own swing without showing any strange urges, so I managed to hit in my own way from the first time at bat I felt that the fastball was faster than the speed of the ball (I was not selected as a member for the Asian Games) I want to wear this outfit because I play baseball adults, so I’m thinking of getting rid of my regrets. Three years from now, the Asian Games will be held. The tournament will be held in Aichi Prefecture, where I’m currently playing, so I think playing as my main focus. “
30th BFA Asian Championship
Overview of the Players Conference
Tournament period
December 3rd to December 10, 2023
Opening round (Group B)
Monday, December 4th 19:30 Japan 14-0 Pakistan
December 5th (Tuesday) 19:30 Thailand – Japan
Wednesday, December 6th 19:30 Japan – Philippines
* Start time is Japan time (Taiwan: time difference -1 hour)
super round
December 8th – December 9th
3rd place deciding game/final
Sunday, December 10th
location
Taiwan (Taipei・Taichung)
Participating countries and regions
Group A
Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Hong Kong, Palestine
Group B
Japan, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand
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