◆WBC First Round Group C: Japan 4-3 Australia (March 8, Tokyo Dome)

Samurai Japan pitcher Atsuki Taneichi 's pitch has been met with praise.

Taneichi took the mound in the 8th inning with his team leading 2-1, replacing Seibu Lions 's second pitcher, Chihiro Sumida as the third pitcher. He pitched one inning without allowing hit runs, strike out. His fastest pitch was recorded at 154 km/h, and he delivered a strong performance closer the side in order for the second consecutive day.

In his first appearance in the WBC on the 7th against South Korea, he pitched as the third reliever in the 7th inning with the score tied at 5-5. He mixed in a fork with a top speed of 156 km/h and a forkball, strike out three consecutive batters in a spectacular display. With 15 fiery pitches, his team's batting line scored three runs in the 7th inning, securing his first WBC win.

He joined the Lotte Marines as the sixth pick in the 2016 draft from Hachinohe Institute of Technology First High School. In 2020, he underwent Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the medial collateral ligament in his right elbow, but returned to the first team in 2022. In 2023, he recorded 10 wins and became a pillar of the starting lineup, and has publicly stated his intention to try his hand at the majors in the future.

This will be his first time pitching in reliever in seven years, since 2019. It will also be his first time pitching on consecutive days since then. Social media is filled with praise, with comments such as, "Taneichi, you should go to the majors next year!", "It's only a matter of time before you go to the majors!", "The first major leaguer from Aomori Prefecture has been born!! (A bit premature)", "Honorary Aomori citizen Taneichi", "A treasure of Aomori...", and "A star of Aomori Prefecture".