WBC First Round Group C Taiwan vs Japan (6th, Tokyo Dome)

Samurai Japan's Orix Buffaloes catcher Kenya Wakatsuki added another point.

The batting lineup scored eight runs in the second inning, and he hit a double to right field with two outs and a runner at first and third. No. 9 catcher," who had grounded out bases loaded with no outs in the first at bat, showed his determination.

In his first WBC game, he played as a battery with Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The pair formed a pair during his time with Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes, and since 2021 have been awarded the Best Battery Award for three consecutive years. He was "reunited" on the international stage with his junior colleague, who has further developed in the United States. "This is my first WBC, so I'm a total challenger," he said, shining on both offense and defense.