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

Samurai Japan's Atsuki Taneichi pitcher = Lotte = came on in the 7th inning to pitch the 3rd inning and delivered an impressive 3 K's in a row.

With the score tied at 5-5 in the seventh inning, he took over from Ito and took to mound as the third pitcher. First, he struck out Ohtani's teammate Kim Hye-seong, who was first up, with a fastball. Then closer the first batter Kim Do-young and the second batter Jones with struck out fork.

Taneichi's impressive debut, with a fastest pitch recorded at 156 km/h, had the internet buzzing with positive comments such as, "The world will find out about Taneichi," "No good! Taneichi is going to the majors... but do your best!" and "Taneichi will be in the majors next year."

Taneichi started in 24 games last season, with a record of 9 wins and 8 losses and ERA 2.63. This will be his first time participating in the WBC.