◇ "2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC™" First Round vs. Australia (8th, Tokyo Dome)

The game against Australia was a pitcher duel, a stark contrast to the previous two games. Despite getting runner on base, they struggled to score, and in the top of the sixth inning, an error led to the first run. With the game in a difficult position, it was Masataka Yoshida who hit a spectacular home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Shohei Ohtani was on base, but with two outs, Yoshida came up to bat. On the second pitch, he skillfully scooped up a difficult ball low and inside, sending it into the right-field stands. Amidst thunderous cheers, he ran around the diamond.

With this hit, Japan turned the game around and scored additional points in the bottom of the eighth inning, including a timely hit by Sato Teruaki, win 4-3. With three consecutive wins, they secured first place in Pool C of the first round.

◇Comment from Masataka Yoshida
"The feeling I hit it didn't stay in my hand. When I'm at a good ball, it doesn't stay in my hand, so I think I was able to swing it with all my might. The next few difficult games will be tough, so I'll do my best to win every single one."

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa