◆WBC Quarterfinals: Japan 5-8 Venezuela (March 14, Miami, Florida, USA - Lone Depot Park)

Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Kensuke Kondo of the Samurai Japan team was eliminated from the tournament without getting a hit.

In the first round, hit in 12 At Bat through the third game. In the fourth game against the Czech Republic, he was left out of the starting lineup and did not get a chance to play. He went to Miami without getting a hit. On this day as well, he ceded starting line-up to Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato. He came up as a pinch hitter with one out in the ninth inning, but struck out out looking against Palencia. Ohtani followed with a fly ball to shortstop, ending the game.

After the game, Kondo stood in front of the dugout, head in his hands, stunned. The talented hitter, who had won numerous titles including Pacific League MVP in 2024, had ended up with a disappointing result on the big stage.