WBC First Round Group C Japan 9-0 Czech Republic (10th, Tokyo Dome)

Samurai Japan pitcher Koki Kitayama (26) took the mound in the ninth inning with the score at 9-0, struck out three consecutive batters in the Czech Republic batting lineup, starting with the ninth batter, and finishing the game runs in the first inning. His fastest pitch was 153 km/h. Starting with starter Takahashi, he was followed by Miyagi and Kanamaru, completing shutout game relay for the second time in this tournament since the game against Taiwan on the 6th.

Kitayama pitched in the sixth inning of the game against Taiwan on the 6th with a 13-point lead, closer only one hit and no runs in one inning, making it two consecutive games without allowing a runs. The Kyoto native, who came up with the "tea making pose" at Otani's request, is in good form heading into the quarterfinals on the 15th.