Samurai Japan's Kenya Kenya Wakatsuki thanks Masataka Yoshida for his game-winning hit, saying, "He's a really reliable senior." Tomoyuki Sugano and others also made good leads, but regret their disappointing bad throw saying, "Next time, we'll just have to take it one-shot." | Pacific League

Samurai Japan's Kenya Wakatsuki thanks Masataka Yoshida for his game-winning hit, saying, "He's a really reliable senior." Tomoyuki Sugano and others also made good leads, but regret bad throw saying, "Next time, it's a one-shot deal."

Sports Hochi

March 8, 2026 23:03

In the sixth inning, with one out and a runner on second base, Whitefield stole third base, but Kenya Wakatsuki bad throw, allowing Whitefield (right) to score. (Camera: Shohei Uemura)

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

Samurai Japan catcher Kenya Wakatsuki (30) of Orix Buffaloes started as the ninth batter and catcher in the third game of the WBC first round against Australia on the 8th. He helped the team win three straight games and advance to the first round in first place, including by pitching four runs innings by starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (36).

However, he regretted the scene in the sixth inning when he allowed the first run with a disappointing bad throw. With one out and a runner on second base, he tried to stop Whitefield from stealing third base, but throw went way off course toward the gap between third and shortstop, allowing the runner to score. After the game, he reflected, "I'm sorry for throwing a wild pitch. I tried to get in line, so it ended up being a half-hearted effort."

The team took the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox). Regarding Yoshida, who was his teammate at Orix Buffaloes, Wakatsuki said, "He's a really dependable senior, and he's covered for my mistakes many times. I feel like he's a reliable ally. I think from the next game (quarterfinals) onwards, it'll be a one-off game. I'll be focused and do my best."