Masayuki Kakefu, chairman of Hanshin Tigers Tigers alumni association and Sports Hochi commentator, appeared on MBS TV's "Yonchan TV" (Monday-Friday, 3:40 PM) on the 9th. He commented on the Japanese national team's performance, which advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing first in Pool C of the World Baseball Classic. He praised Shohei Ohtani's concentration in the first game against Taiwan, which led to him hitting doble on the first pitch immediately after the ball was in play. Regarding his second-inning bases loaded, he praised Ohtani's "excellent use of his right foot," saying that the toes of his right foot didn't curl up as he stepped forward, transferring power to the ball.

Regarding the next point, he cited the recovery of Kensuke Kondo who has been struggling with no At Bat one hit in 12 at Walk over three games. "I want them to put Kondo in starting line-up for the game against the Czech Republic (on the 10th) so that he can shake off his troubles and be sent to America. I think this experience will make him a bigger player. I really hope they put him in starting line-up for the game against the Czech Republic," he said.

Regarding Teruaki Sato, who hit a timely doble as a pinch hitter with one out and runners on first and third in the eighth inning against Australia, he said, "I'm relieved that he got a result. It was courageous of him to swing at the first pitch. I think he can go to America with a lot of confidence and composure."