"The defense range that will save Japan": Head-sliding stolen base → Jumping catch by Ukyo Shuto draws rave reviews: "I yelled," "Only Shuto can do that" | Pacific League

"The defense range that will save Japan" - Head-sliding stolen base and jumping catch by Ukyo Shuto rave reviews - "I yelled" - "Only Shuto can do that"

Sports Hochi

March 7, 2026 23:42

With one out in the ninth inning, Ukyo Shuto makes a great catch of Lee Jeong-hoo's fly ball to center field (photographer: Nakajima Suguru)

WBC First Round Group C Japan 8-6 Korea (7th, Tokyo Dome)

Samurai Japan's Softbank Hawks outfielder, Ukyo Shuto has been met with a stream of praise online for defense.

In the eighth inning, with a two-run lead, Shuto came in as a pinch runner for Murakami, who had reached base with a single to right field. In the next at-bat, Makihara tried to pick off two batters, then head-slid to steal second base.

After that, he moved to center field and made a jumping catch of a big fly ball from Jones that flew close to wall with one out in the ninth inning, saving his team with a great defense.

His impressive display of both speed and defense prompted comments on social media such as "Shuto's defense range will save Japan," "Super play by Shuto!!," "I'm in awe of Shuto's defense," "Shuto's defense made me cheer," and "Only Shuto can do that lol."

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