◆ Training match: Softbank Hawks Group B, 1-5 Taiwanese national team (3rd, SOKKEN)

On the 3rd, Softbank Hawks 's second-team manager, Kazumi Saito, expressed his hopes for a good match between Japan and Taiwan in the WBC finals. The team, consisting mainly of young players in Group B, lost the match with pitcher giving up five runs. He also shared his honest impressions of the Taiwanese batting lineup, which allowed nine hit.

First up outfielder, who had two hit. The skilled hitter, who has played in 277 games in the majors, led the batting line, while Wu Nenting, who played for Seibu Lions from 2016 to 2023, also produced results with a single to right hit. Three runs were scored in the second inning and two in the seventh. Second-team manager Saito analyzed his characteristics, saying, "I'd heard that there were many players who played in the majors. From what I've seen, I got the impression that he's very strong against fastballs."

In this tournament, the Japanese national team will face Taiwan in the first game (6th, Tokyo Dome). Samurai Japan is expected to start with Yamamoto from the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball. "For Japan, how much will they rely on fastballs, and how will they use breaking ball? I think this will be an opportunity to showcase their skills. I'm looking forward to a good game," he said, wishing both teams the best of luck.