Hiroki Ikeda's masterpiece, Koki Sato's homer against Guatemala clinch Japan's spot at Finals 2025 in Prince Albert

In a tightly contested game, Japan defeated Guatemala 3-0 in the Repechage Game on Saturday at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup at OGE Energy Field, securing their ticket to the Finals 2025. Hiroki Ikeda pitched a complete game shutout, while Koki Sato’s three-run homer lifted Japan to the Finals.

It was a dominant pitching duel at OGE Energy Field. Japan's Hiroki Ikeda delivered a three-hit masterpiece, striking out nine without allowing a walk. He needed just 79 pitches to complete the shutout, 57 of them for strikes, resulting in an impressive 72.15% strike rate.

On the other side, Jorge Segura pitched six solid innings for Guatemala, allowing three runs on three hits, with three walks and six strikeouts. He threw 109 pitches, 64 of them for strikes, with a 58.71% strike rate.

Japan scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the fourth inning with one swing. Kaito Masaki singled to lead off, followed by Kazuya Toriyama reaching on a fielding error by first baseman Luis Pedro Villeda. Both advanced on a sacrifice bunt before pinch hitter Koki Sato smashed a three-run homer over the centre field wall to break the deadlock.

It was Sato's second hit of the tournament, both home runs. He previously hit a solo shot against the Netherlands in the Opening Round and added today's three-run blast against Guatemala.

Japan have now reached the top eight in this competition for the 17th time in their history. Their only lower finish came in 1968, also in Oklahoma City, where they placed 10th.

Guatemala, finishing third in Group C, secured a top-10 spot for the first time in their history, improving on their previous 12th place finish in Saskatoon in 2015.