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

Samurai Japan's starting pitcher, Hiromi Ito (Nippon-Ham Fighters), pitched as the second reliever, threw 52 pitches in three innings, and left the game with one hit two runs and six strikeouts.

With the team trailing 5-3 in the fourth inning, he took over from starter Kikuchi and took to mound as the second reliever. However, he hit the leadoff batter with struck out and closer out No. 8 Park Dong-won, but then allowed Hit by Pitch two-run home run to right-center field by Kim Hye-seong, Ohtani's teammate, who hit a fastball to tie the game.

With the score tied at 5-5, he stepped up his game in the fifth inning, striking out two batters in a row and retiring struck out batters. He continued to shout in the sixth inning, striking out two more struck out and allowing no runs. He was taken out of the game after throwing 52 pitches.

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.