◇"2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC"™ 1st Round against Australia (8th, Tokyo Dome)

The match against Australia was a low-scoring game. Starter Tomoyuki Kanno pitcher allowed runner but ended up with 4 hit runs in 4 innings, and it was Saitama Seibu Lions Chihiro Sumida pitcher who made his first WBC appearance as the second pitcher.

"I thought the game would move on my own, so I took the plunge."

Sumida said so after the game pitcher First of all, in the top of the 5th inning, when he took two swings in a row from the lead, he allowed struck out hit but did not runs. However, in the top of the 6th inning, he was hit doble with one out, and stolen base and catcher bad throw were involved to score one run.
　
"Pretty hard luck balls flew...... There were some unlucky parts, but it was good that I was able to concentrate and throw each one."

Although he allowed the first run, he said, "I thought I would go home with at least runs after returning one batter after closer one runner, so it was good that I was able to catch that batter with a struck out and create a flow," and hit the follow-up with 2 struck out, and retired with three outs in the top of the 7th inning. His specialty change-up and fork were brilliant, and in the third inning 2 hit 7 strike out 1 runs (earned runs 0), and in the bottom of the 7th inning, he turned the game around and the white star soared.

In the three years since Hirokazu Ibata took office, he has been selected for most of Samurai Japan's games, including the Premier 12. In the offseason, he continued to prepare while keeping his participation in mind, and although he was excluded from the selection once, he was promoted to his first WBC mound with an additional call-up.

"When I was selected, I was like, 'Wow,' but I was able to prepare well for the offseason, so I think I have been able to continue to do what I have been preparing for until today. I always put my heart into it and prepare well."

Falling balls are an important weapon when attacking foreign players. There is also a combination of straightness and straightness, so you can expect to pitch after the next time. Mainly in the major group, the batting line is also reliable. pitcher Sumida said about the game against the Czech Republic the day after tomorrow and the fight in the United States.

"The defense of the back is good, and I feel safe that they will connect well and score points. I want to do my best the day after tomorrow so that I can go to Miami in a good mood."

In the top of the 8th inning, Chiba Lotte Marines Atsuki Taneichi pitcher went to the mound of consecutive pitches. splitter The main assembly is 1 inning 2 struck out. He showed good relief with a three-way retirement in two consecutive games. In the end, The Giants and pitcher maintained their lead despite being hit by two Home Run, and Japan won win 4-3.

Written by Niwa Kainagi