Japan Samurai U-18 National Team Forced to Advance to Finals in Super Row Match Against Chinese Taipei
September 9, 2023
In the “31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup,” the Japan Samurai U-18 National Team participated in their third and final Super Row match on September 9th in Tianmu, Taiwan. The match took place at a baseball stadium and was a crucial encounter against Chinese Taipei. Both teams had already secured their spots in the finals based on the previous day’s results. Unfortunately, the Japan Samurai U-18 National Team suffered a 2-5 defeat, resulting in their placement in the Super Round’s second position.
The Japan Samurai U-18 National Team made a promising start when Ren Ogata (Yokohama) reached base on a walk and Riku Takeda (Yamagata Chuo) hit a ball over the opposing left fielder’s head, allowing Ogata to score. However, starting pitcher Koki Takahashi (Sendai Ikuei) struggled with his control, issuing consecutive walks and allowing three runs due to poor fielding and a timely hit from Yoshikazu Hayashi. Despite their efforts, the Japan Samurai U-18 National Team couldn’t overcome the sharp pitches thrown by right-hander Zeng Wei-cheong from Chinese Taipei. They were held scoreless from the second to the fifth innings.
Although there were a few bright moments, including Ogata scoring a second run, the Japan Samurai U-18 National Team couldn’t mount a successful comeback. Torataro Yasuda (Nihon University) pitched effectively to shut down their offense and secure the victory for Chinese Taipei with a final score of 2-5.
Coach Mabuchi remained positive, stating, “It was a great experience to be able to compete in this away atmosphere. The important thing now is whether we can win tomorrow.” The Japan Samurai U-18 National Team will face Chinese Taipei in their final match on September 10th at 7pm Japan time. They will be determined to avenge their loss and claim their first crown.
In preparation for the decisive match, Yugo Maeda (Osaka Toin) has been designated as the starting pitcher. Coach Mabuchi expressed high hopes, saying, “I want him to pitch in a way that helps the team secure the victory.” Maeda himself is motivated to seek revenge, stating, “This is all about getting even. As challengers, we can embrace the excitement and not worry about the opponent’s home-field advantage like we do at Koshien.”
The Japan Samurai U-18 National Team’s final game is set to take place on September 10th at 7pm Japan time. Can they overcome the challenges of playing away from home and claim the championship? The highly anticipated battle will unfold soon.
Player Comments: Teraki Takahashi (Sendai Ikuei)
“Despite feeling physically prepared, the ball didn’t react as expected due to the atmosphere in the stadium. My struggle to regain control resulted in a walk. I also noticed that the opposing team’s batters were not easily fooled by straight pitches.”
Riku Takeda (Yamagata Central)
“When I came up to bat first, I felt a bit cornered, so I aimed to make solid contact and swing with all my might. I observed that the opponent has the power to hit the ball deep into the outfield, but there are also weaknesses and opportunities. I want to utilize the experience gained today and continue fighting with the goal of becoming the best in the world.”
Ren Ogata (Yokohama)
“I believe that being at the bottom of the lineup puts pressure on the opponents, and I’m conscious of hitting the ball in crucial areas. It was an incredible experience to feel the atmosphere of playing away, and I believe it can put pressure on the opponent. I want to make the most of it. As my last match at Yokohama High School ended with some unfortunate memories, I hope to share the joy of winning with everyone in Samurai Japan, including our tremendous supporters.”
31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Summary
Tournament Participants:
- Group A: Mexico, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Australia, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic
- Group B: Japan, USA, Venezuela, Netherlands, Panama, Spain
Tournament Period: August 31 – September 10, 2023
Opening Round:
- Friday, September 1: Japan 10-0 Spain
- Saturday, September 2: Japan 7-0 Panama
- Sunday, September 3: United States 3-4 Japan
- Monday, September 4: Venezuela 0-10 Japan
- Tuesday, September 5: Japan 0-1 Netherlands
Super Round:
- Thursday, September 7: Japan 7-1 Korea
- Friday, September 8: Japan 10-0 Puerto Rico
- Saturday, September 9: Chinese Taipei 5 – 2 Japan
Final Match:
- Sunday, September 10: Chinese Taipei – Japan
Location: Taiwan
* All times mentioned are in Japan time (Taiwan: time difference of -1 hour)
Source: Official tournament website
match report
September 9, 2023
On September 9th, the third and final Super Row match of the “31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup” (until September 10th) in which the Japan Samurai U-18 National Team is participating will be held in Tianmu, Taiwan . It was held in a baseball stadium. It was a “preliminary” match against Chinese Taipei, who had both decided to advance to the finals based on the results of the previous day’s matches, but they lost 2-5 and were forced to advance to the finals the Super Round. in 2nd.
We took the important first goal. No. 3 Ren Ogata (Yokohama) chose to walk, and Riku Takeda (Yamagata Chuo), who was appointed No. 4 as he had the day before, hit a ball from the opposite direction over the head of the opposing left fielder, allowing Ogata to survive.
However, starting pitcher Koki Takahashi (Sendai Ikuei) walked the first batter twice in a row, and then right fielder Shinnosuke Chibana (Okinawa Shogaku) dropped a ball, Takahashi made a wild pitch, and Yoshikazu Hayashi hit two balls in and Collon them 3 points due to a timely shot. Manager Shiro Mabuchi complained, “Going for a walk at the top of the field after an advantage makes it difficult for the fielders to flow.”
Mori Kosei (Tokushima Commercial), who took the mound from the second inning, also had sacrifice flies in the second and third innings, giving up one run in each and extending the lead.
They wanted to fight back, but their batting line-up could not connect with the sharp pitches thrown from three quarters by right-hander Zeng Wei-cheong, and they were kept scoreless from the second to the fifth innings. Ogata created a chance with an infield hit and a stolen base by Wang Bien, who replaced him in the 6th inning, and Kazuki Takanaka (Seiko Gakuin), who was starting the tournament for the first time, returned the ball to the field center. , and Ogata made a quick jump to survive and score his second point.
But the counterattack ends here. Torataro Yasuda (Nihon University) had three hits in two innings, but he used his sinker as a weapon to get four hits and come through without giving up any runs, but the game ended with a score of 2-5.
Coach Mabuchi reiterated before and after the game, “There is no game we can afford to lose,” but he remained positive, saying, “It was great to be able to experience this away atmosphere. The important thing is whether we can win tomorrow.”He also has a strong will,” he said, showing his fighting spirit.
In addition, Yugo Maeda (Osaka Toin) was designated as the starting pitcher for the final game. “I want him to shoot to help the team win,” he said with high hopes. Maeda also spoke confidently and encouragingly about his aspirations, saying, “This is all about getting revenge. It’s easier to get excited as a challenger, and I don’t have to worry about the opponent’s support because they are better in Koshien .”
The final match is scheduled to start on September 10th at 7pm Japan time. Will they be able to avenge their loss in an away game and take their first crown? The decisive battle will take place soon.
Player comments: Teraki Takahashi (Sendai Ikuei)
“I was in good shape, but the ball didn’t go as I expected, given the atmosphere in the stadium. My straining led to a walk. I had the impression that the opposition’s batting line-up was not going to give the best on a straight ball.”
Riku Takeda (Yamagata Central)
“When I was batting first, I was in a corner, so I tried to keep up with the ball and swing it as hard as I could. I felt my opponent had the strength to hit the ball all the way to the outfield if it went in easily, but I think there are weaknesses and openings. , I want to make use of today’s experience. I came here with the aim of becoming the best in the world, so I will fight with the aim of winning only.”
Ren Ogata (Yokohama)
“I think I can put pressure on the opponent by being on the bottom, and I want to be aware of making hits in important areas. It was a great experience to be able to feel the atmosphere away, and I think I can put pressure on the opponent. I want to make the most of it. The last match at Yokohama High School ended with some unfortunate memories, so I would like to share the joy with everyone at Samurai Japan, including everyone who supported us.”
31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
Summary of the tournament Participants
Tournament period
August 31 – September 10, 2023
opening round
Friday, September 1 19:30 Japan 10-0 Spain
Saturday, September 2 19:30 Japan 7-0 Panama
Sunday, September 3 17:35 United States 3-4 Japan
Monday, September 4 21:00 Venezuela 0-10 Japan
Tuesday, September 5 19:30 Japan 0-1 Netherlands
* Start time is Japan time (Taiwan: time difference -1 hour)
super round
Thursday, September 7 15:30 Japan 7-1 Korea
Friday, September 8 11:30 Japan 10-0 Puerto Rico
Saturday, September 9th 19:00 Chinese Taipei 5 – 2 Japan
* Start time is Japan time (Taiwan: time difference -1 hour)
End
Sunday, September 10th 19:00 Chinese Taipei – Japan
* Start time is Japan time (Taiwan: time difference -1 hour)
location
Taiwan
Participating countries and regions
Group A
Mexico, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Australia, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic
Group B
Japan, USA, Venezuela, Netherlands, Panama, Spain
Japan Samurai Under 18 High School Japan vs Japan Collegiate National Team Game
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