Samurai Japan U-18 dominates Puerto Rico to secure victory in Super Round match
September 8, 2023
A thrilling Super Round match took place on September 8th at the Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taiwan, as Samurai Japan U-18 faced off against Puerto Rico in a highly-anticipated rematch of the “31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup”. Demonstrating impeccable skills both in offense and defense, Samurai Japan U-18 emerged victorious in a remarkable fashion, narrowly missing out on a spot in the finals.
“This is the most crucial game, so I have entrusted it to you,” coach Shiro Mabuchi expressed his faith in Ao Higashionna (Okinawa Shogaku), the starting pitcher for the match.
The first inning witnessed a three-way retreat for Samurai Japan U-18 following their battles against Spain and Venezuela. However, the team quickly capitalized on an opportunity, utilizing walks, errors, and wild pitches to advance runners to second and third base with only one out.
In the second inning, Higashionna managed to secure three quick outs, showcasing his pitching prowess. He continued his dominant performance in the third inning, striking out three consecutive batters.
Yuzuki Nakayama (Chiben Gakuen) followed with a hit in the front right, and when Riku Takeda slid to third base, he momentarily left the base but managed to get back in time. Nakayama advanced to third base when Minato Maruta (Keio University) hit a right front hit. Seizing the opportunity, Maruta aimed for second base, diverting the attention of the opponent’s infielder solely focused on the play, allowing Nakayama to score the third run. Coach Mabuchi acknowledged the significance of this play, remarking, “That was a game-changer,” as the team fully embraced their momentum.
From the fifth inning onwards, Higashionna successfully prevented Puerto Rico from advancing any runners. In the fourth inning, Koga Hashimoto (Sendai Ikuei) and Takanari Teraji (Meitoku Gijuku) consecutively hit groundouts, setting the stage for Ren Ogata (Yokohama) to deliver a timely hit. Daito Morita (Riseisha), who reached base due to an opponent’s mistake, scored the team’s eighth run. Pinch hitter Kazuki Takanaka (Seiko Gakuin) then showcased his skills, driving in a timely hit in front of center field, securing the team’s impressive tenth run. According to tournament rules, it was a name game, with two consecutive wins in the Super Round and a total of three wins and one loss in the tournament (including a victory against the United States and a loss against the Netherlands in the opening round).
The upcoming match will be Samurai Japan U-18’s final showdown in the Super Round, facing the first-placed team from Group A, Chinese Taipei. Depending on the outcome of other matches, there is a possibility for Samurai Japan U-18 to advance to the finals prior to the match. However, coach Mabuchi emphasized the importance of focusing solely on their performance, stating, “Irrespective of the circumstances, our only objective is to give our absolute best. Dwelling on unnecessary thoughts will yield no fruitful results.” He conveyed a resolute determination to strive for victory.
Comments from Director/Manager Shiro Mabuchi
“Higashionna possesses the ability to hold the game together without falling apart. Ogata, our catcher, displayed exceptional foresight. I selected Takeda due to his proficiency in hitting. In the 7-inning system, the game is determined in the first half. Therefore, it is crucial to achieve a hit in the first at-bat, or at the latest, in the second at-bat. I wanted to ascertain the trajectory of the ball. Chinese Taipei possesses strength in both pitching and batting. Nevertheless, since we are all high school students, I remain determined to face the challenge head-on.”
Quotes from Riku Takeda (Yamagata Central)
“While preparing for my at-bat, I focused all my strength on swinging the ball. I felt some pressure in the fourth inning, but once I stepped up to bat, it vanished. I managed to hit the ball in my first at-bat, which facilitated a smoother second at-bat. Representing Japanese high school baseball players motivates me to strive for excellence, aiming to be the best in the world.”
Yuzuki Nakayama’s (Chiben Gakuen) Account of the Match
“Understanding the significance of the third run, the coach advised me to keep an eye out for any potential gaps. Today, I was able to contribute positively despite recent setbacks. My objective is to continue making valuable contributions in the next two matches, ultimately aiming for the world’s best.”
31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Summary
Tournament Participants
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 times are in Japan time, with a time difference of -1 hour for Taiwan)
Super Round
- Thursday, September 7 15:30 – Japan 7-1 Korea
- Friday, September 8 11:30 – Japan 10-0 Puerto Rico
- Saturday, September 9 19:00 – Chinese Taipei vs. Japan (Start times are in Japan time, with a time difference of -1 hour for Taiwan)
Final Round / 3rd Place Match
September 10 (Sunday)
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
match report
September 8, 2023
On September 8th, the Super Row rematch of the “31st WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup” (until September 10th) was held at the Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taiwan, where Samurai Japan U-18 played a match against Puerto Rico. He won big by showing flawless baseball on offense and defense, and came very close to advancing to the finals.
“This is the most important game, so I entrusted it to you,” said Ao Higashionna (Okinawa Shogaku), whom coach Shiro Mabuchi trusted.
Following the matches against Spain and Venezuela, the first innings was caught in a three-way retreat, and the batsmen immediately took advantage of the opportunity behind it. With walks, errors, and wild pitches, he was on second and third base with one out.
In the second inning, Higashionna had three outs, and in the third, he struck out three in a row.
Following Takeda, Yuzuki Nakayama (Chiben Gakuen) hits in front of right, but when Takeda slides to third base, he leaves the base and touches out. However, when Minato Maruta (Keio University) hit a right front hit, Nakayama moved to third base. In addition, when Maruta aimed for second base, Nakayama took advantage of the opponent’s infielder, who was solely focused on this touch play, and scored the third point. Coach Mabuchi reflected on the play as well, saying, “That was a big deal,” and completely caught up in the flow.
After that, Higaonna didn’t send a single runner out until the fifth inning. In the 4th inning, Koga Hashimoto (Sendai Ikuei) and Takanari Teraji (Meitoku Gijuku) hit consecutive groundouts, giving Ren Ogata (Yokohama) a timely hit. Daito Morita (Riseisha), who missed the ball, scored on a timely run. and the opponent made a mistake, and finally pinch hitter Kazuki Takanaka (Seiko Gakuin) scored a timely shot in front of the center for the 10th point. Due to the rules of the tournament, it was a name game, with two consecutive Super Round wins and a record of three wins and one loss (including one win against the United States and one loss against the Netherlands in the opening round).
The 3rd match, which is the last match of the Super Round, will face Group A Chinese Taipei 1st. Depending on the results of other matches, it is possible that they will advance to the finals before the match, but coach Mabuchi said, “Regardless of the situation, all you have to do is do your best. If you think about unnecessary things, nothing will come of it.” He showed an attitude of desperately aiming for victory.
Director/Manager Player Comments Shiro Mabuchi
“Higashionna can make a game and they won’t fall apart. The catcher, Ogata, was well ahead. I chose Takeda because he had an atmosphere where he could hit. In the 7-inning system, the game is decided in the first half, so I have to be able to hit in the first at-bat, or at the latest, in the second at-bat, so I thought I would check just the ball line.Chinese Taipei has layers in pitching and batting. thick, but since we’re both high school students, I want to stick with it.”
Riku Takeda (Yamagata Central)
“I stood at bat and tried to swing the ball with all my might. I had some pressure on the 4th, but when I came to bat, it was gone. I was able to hit the ball in the first at-bat, so I can easily go into the second at bat. I’m here to represent Japanese high school baseball players, so I’m only playing for the best Japan in the world.”
Yuzuki Nakayama (Chiben Gakuen)
“(Regarding the good running base), the director told me that the third point is very important, so I thought there would be even a small gap. (Towards the future) I’ve caused some trouble recently, but I was able to contribute today, so I want to contribute to the best in the world in the next two games.”
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 9, 19:00 Chinese Taipei – Japan
* Start time is Japan time (Taiwan: time difference -1 hour)
Final Round / 3rd Place Match
September 10 (Sunday)
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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