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

Samurai Japan's Softbank Hawks 's Ukyo Shuto outfielder started at "No. 7 in the middle of the order" and was named the hero for his 4 At Bat 2 hit 3 RBI outbursts, including a two-run blast. He was a key figure in the team's four-game sweep of the first round and said joyfully, "I never thought I could play on this stage, so it feels very good to hear everyone cheering.

cutter The first two runs scored in the eighth inning on a doble and an error by Wakatsuki, and with two outs and runners on first and second, Shuto came up to bat. The first arch by an NPB player in this year's Samurai Japan tournament, who had 3 Home Run last season and a total of 17 Home Run. "I couldn't walk like everyone else home run hitter, so I came back right away," he said as he circled the diamond.

This was starting line-up in just his second WBC tournament, and he was dynamic with an infield hit to shortstop and a steal of second base in the seventh inning. Expectations are high for his running, hitting and defense in the quarterfinals and beyond, and he nodded, saying, "Our unity is growing stronger with each passing day. I want to win with this team."