WBC Group C, first round: Japan 4-3 Australia (8th, Tokyo Dome)

Atsuki Taneichi pitcher hit strike out runs The first time in six or seven years that he has pitched in a row, he said emphatically, "I'll do my best when I'm asked to do my best.

He took the mound as the third in the 8th inning with a one-run lead. Armed with the heirloom sword fork, he showed an impressive pitch against the three hitter, with a struck out, a ground ball, and a struck out in the air.

Although he is usually a starter, the right-handed pitcher pitched consecutive games as reliever, following the game against South Korea on the 7th (Tokyo Dome). After the game, he revealed the behind-the-scenes story, saying, "It's been six or seven years since I last pitched. I thought I was tired in bullpen. I was told (to pitch) just beforehand. I was told I might pitch, but when it came time to pitch, I just had to get myself in the right frame of mind." Still, he remained unfazed and finished the game without a hitch. "I knew that if we won today, we wouldn't have to play consecutive games in Miami, so I'm relieved that we won. I have strong feelings about this tournament, so I'll take that as my motivation and throw my all in the roles I'm assigned to," he said, looking ahead with a refreshing expression.