"I only have good memories" as the showdown moves to Miami
The final match of the Tokyo Pool of the 2026 WBC between Japan and the Czech Republic was 9-0 in favor of Japan win. Japan finished the Tokyo Pool with a win in all four games, and moved the heat to Miami, USA.
The final game of the Tokyo Pool was a 9-0 win for Japan against the Czech Republic. Ukyo Shuto, who made his first Tokyo Pool appearance starting line-up at No. 7 center fielder, was particularly impressive. infield hit, taking advantage of his quick feet, reached base in the seventh inning and stole second on the next play. The first time I saw the game was in the first inning, and the second inning was in the second inning, and the third inning was in the third inning.
The highlight of the game came in the 8th inning. runner After a timely error to break the game open, the batting order was turned to Shuto with two outs and runners at first and second.
I thought it would go in as soon as I hit it. As soon as I hit it, I thought it was going to go in. But I didn't know what had happened, so I was more surprised than happy as I circled around. home run I didn't even know how to do the 'tea-pot dish' pose when I hit the ball. I could see the bench was happy, so I was running around thinking, "I can't wait to get home.
The hit he recalls so well was proof of the evolution of his hitting.
Shuto is well known as a foot specialist, but he is also conflicted.
I am afraid to start off, and I know that one out for me can be the difference between losing the game and winning it, so the more experience I gain in the national team, the more fearful I become.
The only thing that can dispel that pressure is the daily accumulation of effort. The confidence that he has grown into a player who can contribute not only base running but also in hitting and defense is evident in his words, "My efforts over the past three years have not gone wrong.
The team will now travel to Miami for the quarterfinals. The team will now travel to Miami, the site of the quarterfinals, where Shudo stepped on walk-off home ice in the semifinals of the previous tournament.
I don't care about my own performance. I just have to give my best on the spot to help the team become the best in the world. I have nothing but good memories of America. I will do my best to make the best memories again this time.
Interview and text by Yu Ebihara
