WBC First Round Group C Japan vs. Korea (7th, Tokyo Dome)

Samurai Japan's starter, Hiromi Ito pitcher = Nippon-Ham = moved up to second mound in the fourth inning.

Starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi gave up three runs in the first inning. He retired the side in order in the second inning. In the third inning, with hit after giving up a hit, but closer to hold the runs.

Kikuchi had thrown 63 pitches by the end of the third inning. As the fourth inning began, the second starting pitcher, Ito, took mound.

In his fifth professional season last year, Ito started 27 games, compiling a record of 14 wins and 8 losses with an ERA of 2.52, winning two titles: most wins and most strike out (195 strike out). He also received his first Sawamura Award.