All-around game lifts Japan over Netherlands in debut

World No. 4 Japan earned their first win of the tournament, 9-0, against No. 19 Netherlands on Tuesday at Devon Park - OGE Energy Field. The Japanese team showcased their speed, power, pitching accuracy and defence to complete a solid game in their debut at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C. 

Japan's speed paid off in the bottom of the first inning, as Yusuke Morita stole second base and scored from there on a single by Taiyo Kataoka. The Japanese catcher went from first to home on a double by Kaito Masaki, who then scored the third run of the game on a single by Kotaro Yasumi.

In the bottom of the fourth, Japan extended their lead quickly. Kazuya Toriyama hit a grounder to second base and beat the throw to reach first safely. One pitch later, Kotaro Yasumi smashed a 59 mph pitch over the right field wall for a two-run shot, their first of the afternoon.

In the bottom of the sixth, Japan finished the game on a high note with a solo shot by Koki Sato, putting the game 6-0 for the Asian champions. Then Seii Kuroiwa doubled, and Ryuki Okawara was hit by a pitch, setting the table for Tei Hamamoto who launched a rocket to right field to end the game with a three-run homer.

Offensively, Hamamoto (1-for-3) and Yasumi (2-for-3) collected three RBIs each, while Taiyo Kataoka, Kaito Masaki and Sato added one each.

On the pithing side, Shota Onodera was in control, striking out seven while giving up one hit in four innings. He used 49 pitches in the outing, 36 of them for strikes, for a 73% strike percentage, a bit higher than his average during the U-23 World Cup last year, where he stayed in the zone 66% of the time. 

Onodera was replaced in the circle by Yutaro Inoue, who pitched 19 of his 27 throws in the strike zone, for a 70.37%.

For the Netherlands, Emeron Lourens started the game going three innings and allowing five runs on four hits. He was charged with the loss.

Japan will take the field again on Wednesday, 10:00 local time, to face South Africa in the first game of the day. On the other hand, the Netherlands will play at 19:00 against USA.