From the game against Italy, the shot is up “(The condition) is improving”
Infielder Munetaka Murakami (Yakult) of the Japanese national baseball team “Samurai Japan” took part in the official practice before the semifinals of the 5th World Baseball Classic (WBC) on the 19th (20th Japan time). The venue, Lawn Depot Park in Miami, Florida, is home to the Marlins. Mr. Ichiro (currently a special assistant to the chairman and coach of the Mariners) once played in the home stadium of MLB, and said with deep emotion, “It was a place I dreamed of, and I was very excited.”
This day was the first practice at the ballpark. Although Murakami’s time was limited, he confirmed his batting sense with free kicks. There was also a scene of the ball being carried into the stands. Even in defense, his body moved lightly. The artificial turf is sprinkled with water, which is different from Japanese ballparks.
In the seat beat, Murakami entered the standing position of shortstop, and there was also a scene where infielder Sosuke Genda (Seibu) and Takumu Nakano (Hanshin) entered near the standing position of second base and practiced. He also made preparations for a bold shift ahead of the match against Mexico. Murakami also said, “Yakult does it with a shift, so it’s done without any discomfort.”
In the first round, he struggled with a .143 batting average (2 hits in 14 at-bats) and 0 homers and 2 RBI, but in the quarterfinal against Italy, he showed signs of recovery with 2 doubles and 1 RBI. On this day too, he gets a feel for his stroke condition, saying, “I’m getting better.” Leading SAMURAI JAPAN to the best in the world on a nostalgia stage.
(Full Account editorial section)
