2015 CRWS - Japan

[crws-japan]

Japan: The Transition Back Home

Less than 24 hours after a crushing defeat against Team Mexico in the International Championship Game at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, Team Japan is preparing to say goodbye to the Host Families, friends and competitors that they have grown close to throughout the last eight days.

After Friday night’s loss, the Japan faithful showed how much they truly care about the 12-year-old boys that came up one win short of appearing in the World Championship Game.

For nearly an hour following the final out that eliminated Team Japan, the Japan fan base smothered their beloved players with hugs, kisses and encouragement.

It was extra emotional for some Host Families as the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series would be the final year of their service.

“So proud of my Team Japan, they played their hearts out. Very sad that this was our last year hosting. But forever Team Japan,” said Ben Struve via Twitter.

It’s difficult to describe the moment and put it into words that give justice to just how special of a bond there is between Team Japan and their Host Families. 

Teary-eyed and heartbroken children of Host Families, who graciously shared their homes with the team, all gathered around the boys in their Team Japan apparel and offered endless amounts of hugs and love.

The most powerful moment I witnessed was a players-only huddle that took place in the outfield of Cal Sr.’s Yard following the loss to Mexico. Each player took turns sharing his thoughts on what went wrong. While each boy spoke, the entire team was thoroughly focused. It was truly a sign of maturity and just how close this team has grown throughout the tournament. 

“I always worry about how the boys will transition back to life in Japan after such a devastating end to this journey. All I know is that these boys represented our country in a fine way this week,” said Coach Nakagome.

That they did. I left Aberdeen Friday night feeling uneasy. This group is so likeable you just can’t help but cheer them on. From day one, it was very clear that the majority of teams were really looking forward to seeing and meeting Team Japan.

The 12-year-olds from Japan certainly didn’t disappoint the ones who adore them the most at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-japan]

Japan: Too Much Sotelo as Mexico Advances to World Championship

Team Mexico and Team Japan met Friday night on Cal Sr.'s Yard to decide who would be crowned champions of the International Championship Game.

Both teams met in an exhibition crossover matchup last week where Team Mexico prevailed by a final score of 8-2.  

The storyline of Friday night's game was somewhat similiar. Team Japan's Nao Kaneko started the game on the mound, but wouldn't last long. Kaneko went for two and a third innings allowing five hits, four runs and striking out two.

At the end of three, Team Mexico led Team Japan by a score of 5-0.

The Japan bats struggled to keep up with the hard-throwing Vidal Sotelo, who pitched four and a third innings only allowing three hits, two runs and striking out six Japan batters.

"We had trouble with Sotelo's fastball all night," said Coach Nakagome.

Team Japan put together a rally in the fourth and fifth innings as Sohma Sato hit an RBI single followed up by Hiroto Nakayama and Ryunosuke Saito both stroking RBI doubles.

That would be all the offense Team Japan had in them Friday night.

At the end of five innings of play, Team Japan trailed Team Mexico 7-3. This stood as the final score after six innings after Team Japan failed to get anything going in the bottom half of the sixth.

"The boys represented the country of Japan in a way that made me proud. I want them to know that," said Coach Nakagome.

Ultimately, Team Japan falls short of bringing home a 2015 Cal Ripken World Series title. The amount of character, charisma and respect for the game of baseball that they showed this week is something that I'll always carry with me.

To all players, coaches, host families, friends and family: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been an absolute pleasure covering such a respectful group of young men. I know each and every one of them has a bright future ahead. Best of luck to all in their travels back to Japan!

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-japan]

Japan: Show Doesn’t Go On Without Host Families

As we approach the final day of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, it’s always nice to take a look back at what made another successful year possible.

Quite frankly, there would be no tournament from an international viewpoint if it weren’t for the gracious Host Families who take in these 12-year-old boys year in and year out.

They really give these players the opportunity to become a part of the family by welcoming them into their homes with arms wide open. Many families take an extra step and provide so much support to the boys by cheering them on from the stands at every single game throughout the tournament.

After Team Japan’s Ryu Taguchi pitched a complete game in yesterday’s semi-final win against Team Korea, host mother Regina Flosser reached out to the team’s Twitter account.

“We are so lucky to have Ryu as part of our family for the short time he is here,” said Flosser. 

Team Japan has been fueled by one of the loudest and most energetic fan bases throughout the entire Cal Ripken World Series. Many parents and relatives were able to make the trip to the States and let me be the first to tell you that they make their presence felt early and often. 

Baseball in Japan is fundamentally different than what Americans are accustomed to and I think that’s why so many of the American teams here at the Cal Ripken World Series have taken such a fascination to Team Japan and what they’re all about.

“The first thing I noticed when we scrimmaged Japan was how disciplined they were in every aspect of the game,” said Team Maryland player Diego Rivera.

As the International Championship game approaches, expect Team Japan’s fan base, which includes family, host families and perhaps even players from other teams that have been eliminated, to come out in full force.

Team Japan squares up against Team Mexico this evening at 5:30 p.m. on Cal, Sr.’s Yard with a ticket to the World Championship on the line.

Be sure to follow (@CRWS_Japan) on Twitter for live updates throughout the rest of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-japan]

Japan: Taguchi Goes the Distance

After a rain delay that lasted close to two hours, Team Japan took the field which began Semi-Final action on the international side of the Cal Ripken World Series.

Thursday night's contest was a pitcher's duel as Team Japan's Ryu Taguchi faced Team Korea's workhorse ace Wooin Choi. The first two and a half innings went in the books as scoreless. Not until Yutaro Hamaguchi stroked an RBI single did a run come across the scoreboard. Hamaguchi then put on his wheels and scores from first on a wild throw from the catcher attempting to throw out Hamaguchi stealing.

After three, Team Japan led Team Korea by a score of 2-0.

At times, Choi seemed so dominant that Team Japan almost would have been better off bunting every time because of the smoke he was throwing. As if his dominance wasn't already known, Choi knocked a solo home run over the centerfield fence narrowing Team Japan's lead to 2-1.

After the mistake that Taguchi threw to Choi, he was perfect. The lefty went the distance only allowing six hits, one run and fanning seven Korean hitters.

"I made a few mistakes in the first few innings, but stayed confident and believed in my catcher Sohma Sato along with the rest of my teammates," said Taguchi.

Team Japan awaits their opponent which will be decided by tonight's matchup between Team Dominican Republic and Team Mexico.

"We have historically struggled against Mexico and Dominican Republic, so we're very excited to get the opportunity to play either team and we'll be ready," said Coach Nakagome.

Team Japan beats Team Korea by a final score of 2-1 on Cal Sr.'s Yard Thursday night. They advance on to the International Championship tomorrow.

Be sure to follow (@CRWS_Japan & CRWSAberdeen) on Twitter for updates on who Team Japan will play tomorrow at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-japan]

Japan: The Japan Way

Getting past any language barrier is incredibly difficult, especially for 12-year-old kids. Team Japan, like several of the international teams, are faced with that challenge here at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

Through three official games, Team Japan is undefeated and has displayed undeniable class, charisma, respect and a little bit of skill. Okay, a lot!

One can learn quite a bit about this country's culture by observing Team Japan from the sidelines. At the end of each full inning, Coach Nakagome huddles his team together to highlight where they can improve and how they performed well. Each player knows to remove his cap while Coach Nakagome instructs.

I've never seen an entire team collectively dialed into what a coach is saying at the level at which Team Japan displays.

"I always try and touch their feelings. They need to express what they're feeling, so that's usually what we talk about in our huddles," said Coach Nakagome.

At the end of the day these kids from Japan have an absolute love and respect for the game of baseball.

I've watched their leadoff hitter Nao Kaneko tip the cap of his helmet to the home plate umpire at the start of each game thus far. It's really a beautiful thing to see. Not only is this a tremendous display and a testament to Team Japan's coaching, but also a testament to the way these kids have been parented. They will be a key factor in fueling Team Japan to make a run in Semi-Final action beginning Thursday.

And as always, be sure to follow (@CRWS_Japan) on Twitter for live updates throughout the entire Cal Ripken World Series powered by Under Armour.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-japan]

Japan: A Perfect Record

On the fifth day of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, Team Japan willed its way to a third consecutive victory defeating Team Canada via the mercy rule by a score of 10-0.

The ball club has scored 27 runs in their last three games after scoring just two in their crossover exhibition match with Team Mexico. Team Japan is clicking on all cylinders at the right time.

Player of the Game Tatsuki Okamoto paced the team throwing three scoreless innings of two-hit ball, striking out two and only issuing one walk.

Team Japan's early morning offensive outbreak came from several different bats. Nao Kaneko, Koshiro Miyamoto and Tatsuki Okamoto combined to drive in six runs between the three of them.

Nao Kaneko may have had the loudest game out of anyone. The tall lefty drove a ball deep over the center field wall in the fourth to stretch Team Japan's lead to 9-0. He also put his arm on display firing a bullet from center field to home gunning out a Team Canada runner.

When Okamoto was asked about how Kaneko's play helped him as a pitcher, he shared, "He helped me out quite a bit today and I was pretty happy about it."

Timely hitting and consistent pitching was the story of Team Japan's dominant victory over Team Canada Tuesday morning. The team will enjoy a nice day off Wednesday and the coaches plan to go out on a golf outing as they wait to see who their opponent will be in Semi-Final action on Thursday.

And as always, be sure to follow @CRWS_Japan on Twitter for live updates throughout the entire Cal Ripken World Series.

[crws-japan]

Japan: Thrilling Victory over Team Dominican Republic

Two traditional powerhouse teams met on the fourth day of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series at Nationals Field. Team Japan dueled with Team Dominican Republic in what was highly expected to be an entertaining one.

Team Japan jumped out to an early lead for the second consecutive day thanks to timely hitting from Sohma Saito, Koshiro Miyamoto and Ryunosuke Saito. At the end of four and a half innings, they led 5-0.

"Our early offense provided us with stability and a cushion throughout much of today's game," said Coach Nakagome.

Nao Kaneko took the hill for Team Japan and was fantastic right up until the fourth inning. Kaneko allowed two two-run long balls narrowing their lead to 5-4. Impressively, Kaneko was able to shake these mistakes off and pitch through the fourth to set the stage for Ryu Taguchi.

Prior to Monday afternoon's game, Taguchi had pitched four scoreless innings against Team Puerto Rico Sunday night in a winning effort.

Taguchi would go on to pitch a clean fifth and Team Japan went into the sixth inning only leading 5-4.

In the top half of the sixth, Nao Kaneko was intentionally walked by Team Dominican Republic to load the bases. Kazuki Konishi then was called on to pinch-hit and delivered an opposite field strike scoring two and extending his team's lead to 7-4.

"All I could think about was hitting the ball because of how big of a moment it was," said Konishi.

Konishi's timely hit proved to be enough of a cushion as Koshiro Miyamoto came in for the sixth to close things out. Your final score is Team Japan 7, Team Dominican Republic 4.

Team Japan continues action Tuesday morning as they take on Team Canada back on Nationals Field.

Be sure to follow @CRWS_Japan for live updates throughout the entire Cal Ripken World Series.

[crws-japan]

Japan: Offensive Clinic

Team Japan made a statement under the lights Sunday night at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series defeating Team Puerto Rico 10-0 after four innings. The game was called after four due to the tournament's 10-run mercy rule.

After yesterday's exhibition loss against Team Mexico, many had their doubts about Team Japan if they were legitimate this year. Those doubts were silenced tonight, at least for the time being.

Beginning with pitching, Ryu Taguchi paced Team Japan throwing four scoreless innings and striking out five. Taguchi's command may have been his greatest strength of the night. He consistently fooled Team Puerto Rican hitters all night mixing up his fastballs and breaking balls.

Despite his success, Taguchi was quick to point out what he needs to make adjustments to going forward in the tournament.

"I need to make better decisions with my breaking balls. That is what I'm focused on for next game," said Taguchi.

As for Team Japan's offense, Tatsuki Okamoto stroked two doubles driving in three runs and Hiroto Nakayama punched a two-run single to stretch Team Japan's lead to eight.

When Team Japan was one run away from reaching the mercy rule, Yushin Shimada singled up the middle to increase the lead to 10 ending the game.

Team Japan seems to be ecstatic heading into tomorrow's contest against Team Dominican Republic, who they'll meet on the Nationals Field tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.

"We're excited for our game tomorrow because we're used to playing our games around noon in Japan," said Coach Furudate.

Be sure to follow @CRWS_Japan on Twitter for live updates throughout the entire Cal Ripken World Series.

[crws-japan]

Japan: Crossover Match with Mexico

To wrap up the first official day of the Cal Ripken World Series, Team Japan met Team Mexico in a crossover match that will not count towards their pool records.

Many believe these two teams could match up again next week in the international championship game.

Nao Kanako led off the game and parked one over the centerfield wall on the first pitch of the game.

Japan used four different pitchers in the first four innings. One thing Coach Furudate will stress in the coming games is how important hitting is with runners in scoring position. Team Japan reached safely at the start of each inning, but only had two runs to show for it.

In the end, there was too much offense and timely hitting from Mexico. They defeat Japan by a final score of 8-2.

Team Japan resumes play Sunday night under the lights versus Puerto Rico on Cal Sr.'s Yard at 8:00 p.m.

[crws-japan]

Japan: CRWS Kick-Off

With the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series officially underway, Team Japan is itching to get back to their winning ways.

Nao Kaneko made the team's presence felt belting a total of 18 points in the Home Run Derby, which led all scores early in the contest. Ultimately falling short, Kaneko's power will be an important factor to this team's success.

In this morning's press conference, over 50% of teams said they're most looking forward to matching up against Japan because of the team's historic dominance in the CRWS.

Team Japan makes their debut under the lights against Mexico at 8:00 tomorrow night on Cal Sr.'s Yard.

[crws-japan]

Japan: Host Family Experience

By: Bobby Trosset

With the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series just over a month away, teams nationwide are competing to represent their region in the tournament, as the teams internationally continue solidifying their rosters. The Road to Aberdeen certainly isn’t easy and depending on how far players travel, competing and living in the Maryland area can be just as challenging.

Host families are a vital component to a team’s experience while competing at a high level in an unfamiliar environment.  

Carina Sheehan, a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland, had such a rewarding experience as a Host Family that she jumped at the opportunity to travel to Japan on a service trip. Her family has graciously hosted Team Japan for four years.

“I have been closely tied with Team Japan for five years now and it has been such an amazing and life changing experience,” Sheehan shared.

Not only does hosting international athletes provide the visiting youth with stability and a comfort level, but it also allows the Host Family to immerse themselves into a different culture that they may never be faced with otherwise. Sheehan has been inspired by her cultural immersion, so much that she is in the middle of changing her major to Government and Politics with a focus on International Relations.

This is a young woman who took a leap of faith by committing to her school’s service trip to Japan and as a result, it has proven to have single handedly altered the career path direction at which Sheehan plans to pursue. Perhaps the most rewarding part of being a Host Family for the Cal Ripken World Series is the ways in which it opens up pathways you never knew even existed. 

For live updates on Team Japan follow @CRWS_Japan on Twitter!

[crws-japan]

Japan: Meet Team Reporter, Bobby

My name is Bobby Trosset and I am a rising junior at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. I’ve spent my first two years studying Spanish and broadcast journalism, hoping to one day break into sports broadcasting.

Throughout the summer, you can find me umpiring baseball, running my lawn care business or behind the scenes at 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio. In my free time I enjoy a round of golf and staying physically fit by swimming, lifting and running. 

I’ve been looking forward to the Cal Ripken World Series because of the unique opportunity that it presents many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds with one common theme: competition. The Ripken family owns a rich history and I have no doubt that this year’s competitors will fill the shoes worn by past champions adequately. 

Throughout the tournament, I will be splitting up my time evenly between Team Japan and Team Maryland. I will be providing live game coverage as well as feature stories leading up to the tournament.

 See you in July! Don’t forget to Team Japan on Twitter @CRWS_Japan!

[crws-japan]

JAPAN: INTERNATIONAL FINAL GAME RECAP

Team Japan entered the International Championship looking to repeat history and clinch its fourth straight appearance to the Cal Ripken World Series Championship. Leading off, Ryusei Okamoto got Team Japan off to a hot start singling to left field and stealing second. Next up, Shoma Sakashita dropped a ball between Team Mexico’s shortstop and left fielder for a single. With the bases loaded after Hiroki Yoshihara was walked, a wild pitch would open an opportunity for Okamoto to give Team Japan a 1-0 lead.

Taking the mound for Team Japan, Ryusei Takeoka started things off to help preserve the team’s 1-0. Takeoka gave up a grand slam to Team Mexico as the boys now trailed 4-1. Takeoka mustered up the strength to end the inning before further damage was done.

The bats for Team Japan were kept at bay in the top of the second as all three hitters grounded out. Yuki Sakurai took over the mound for Team Japan heading into the bottom of the second walking one and striking out two.

Leading off the top of the third, Okamoto was walked and advanced to third on a passed ball and a wild pitch. Sakashita would also get walked and advance to second on a wild pitch. With the bases loaded once again, Shota Nozaki would walk to bring home Okamoto and leave Team Japan trailing 4-2. Bases still loaded, Ryusei Takeoka delivered a two-run single to tie the game 4-4. A sacrifice ground out would later allow for one more runner to advance home, giving Team Japan a 5-4 lead.

Sakurai would resume his position on the mound for Team Japan striking out his first batter. An incredible play fielding a line drive in the infield from Kotaro Akagi clinched Team Japan’s second out. After a hard fought battle on the mound, Kosuke Nishijima took over on the mound to relieve Sakurai, who finished with three strikeouts. Nishijima would pick up where Sakurai left off, striking out the last batter to deliver a scoreless inning.

With one out, Okamoto singled up the middle, but was tagged out attempting to steal second. Team Japan would end the top of the fourth scoreless, but still leading 5-4. In the bottom of the fourth, Team Mexico’s bats got the best of Team Japan driving in three runs to take a 7-5 lead. Okamoto would take over the mound to get Team Japan out of a jam and would force a double play to end the inning.

 In the top of the fifth, Sakurai delivered an RBI single to bring in one run and continue hacking away at Team Mexico’s lead. Heading into the bottom of the fifth, Okamoto would take the mound and deliver a strikeout to get things rolling. Team Japan’s infield would go on to tag out a runner at home plate, saving the team from allowing any runs.

 In their last opportunity to come back, Team Japan came out swinging as Akagi would double and steal third to later be driven in off a sacrifice ground out from Okamoto. Team Mexico would go on to strike out Sakashita as Yoshihara would get caught at first.  

This talented group of young men fought hard and represented their country well throughout the tournament. It was an absolute honor and pleasure reporting on Team Japan throughout the 2014 Cal Ripken World Series and I wish the boys best. 

[crws-japan]

JAPAN: DAY 4 POOL PLAY RECAP 2014 CRWS

With a rain delay postponing Team Japan's fixture against Team Puerto Rico yesterday, play resumed today on National's Field as Yusuke Kawanaka took the mound to open the game. Looking to remain unbeaten, Team Japan showcased a full team effort through timely hitting in crucial moments and a deep pitching rotation. 

In the first inning, Kawanaka recorded a strikeout and took out Team Puerto Rico's first three batters through a variety of pitches that left the opponents hitless. Team Puerto Rico jumped to an early lead in the second, though, hitting a two-run home run off Kawanaka. 

In the bottom of the second, Taiyo Hayashi put Team Japan on the scoreboard with a solo home run, as Japan trailed 2-1. Incredible plays made from Team Japan's outfield saved the boys from allowing any hits in the third. Coming from an outfield that previously struggled leading up to this game, it was evident that adjustments from Coach Akihiro Nagakome cleared any communication issues. 

"I really didn't think I was going to be selected as the MVP for today's game, so I'm really happy about that," said game MVP Taiyo Hayashi.

Ryusei Okamoto RBI doubled in the third inning to tie the game 2-2 as Shoma Sakashita later RBI singled and eventually returned home off a passed ball. Hiroki Yoshihara hit a sacrifice ground ball bringing in one run as Team Japan led 5-2.

Ryusei Takeoka entered the game to relief pitch allowing only one hit in the fourth. Defensive efforts from Shoma Sakashita and Team Japan's outfield kept Team Puerto Rico scoreless after the second inning. 

In the top of the fifth, Okamoto sprawled out for a ground ball and threw a bouncing ball to first for the out. Closing the game, Kosuke Nishijima came in to lead Japan to a 4-0 record in pool play. The final score: Japan 6 Puerto Rico 2.

"I think our pitching staff is fine. We've got to adjust a little bit on that [referring to the team's base running]...because that's our game," said Team Japan head coach Akihiro Nagakome.

Having won all four pool play games, Team Japan (4-0) will play tomorrow on Cal Sr. Yard at 3:00 p.m.

For more updates, scores and highlights on Team Japan, follow @CRWS_Japan and visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series/schedule.  

[crws-japan]

TEAM JAPAN: DAY 3 POOL PLAY RECAP Ryusei Okamoto opened the game on the mound for Team Japan with a strikeout, setting a precedent for what would continue on for the remainder of the game. Pitching from Team Mexico held Japan’s bats at bay in beginning of the first inning, but Team Japan bounced back rallying to bring in one run. A heads up play from Hiroki Yoshihara led to a run after being caught in a pickle between third and home. “I told them to do whatever we can do…towards the end of the game, we gained the momentum,” said Team Japan Coach Akihiro Nagakome. Defensive efforts from Team Mexico prevented Team Japan from increasing its lead as runners for Team Japan were tagged out at third and home plate in the second. In the top of the third, Team Mexico secured a 2-1 lead, but Team Japan’s bats answered back tying the game 2-2 in the bottom of the third.  Yuki Sakurai took over the mound at the top of the fourth and held Team Mexico to one run leaving Team Japan trailing 3-2. An RBI double from Yusuke Kawanaka drove in the tying run for Team Japan to end the fourth inning and an RBI single from Okamoto gave Team Japan a one-run lead, which would end up being the deciding factor of the game.  “I was pretty happy with being named game MVP in such a close game,” said Ryusei Okamoto of Team Japan. For the first time in pool play, Team Japan did not win via mercy rule and and fought hard for the 4-3 win tonight.  Team Japan (3-0) plays Team Puerto Rico (3-0) tomorrow on Cal Sr. Year at 5:30 p.m. For more updates, highlights and recaps on Team Japan, follow the team on Twitter at @CRWS_Japan and visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series/schedule. 

[crws-japan]

A tremendous effort from Team Japan as they drove in nine runs with 10 stolen bases in the first inning alone. Two RBI triples from Kotaro Agaki and RBI doubles from Kawanaka, Nishikima, Ito and Takeoka kept the bats rolling, as Team Japan showcased its power and accuracy. Team Japan’s bats didn’t stop after the first inning, though, as they remained relentless throughout the second, third and fourth innings compiling a 31-0 lead to win via mercy rule for a second straight day.

"We tried to make a little bit of an adjustment with our lineup...so it went pretty well at the beginning of the game," said Team Japan Head Coach Akihiro Nagakome on the team's outfield combinations. Yuki Sakurai led the defensive front on the mound with three strikeouts in two innings showcasing a number of different pitches including a fierce curveball that left Team Dominican Republic to one hit in the first two innings.  Kosuke Nishijima took over on the mound to start the third inning and used a blistering 71 mph fastball to stun batters.  Homeruns from Koki Hasegawa (1), Junnosuke Kikuchi (1) and Game MVP Taiyo Hayashi (2) substantially increased the team’s lead in the fourth inning and numerous wild pitches from Team Dominican Republic added to the tally, as Team Japan displayed its superb base running skills.

"It felt good...I hit it right on my sweet spot," said Game MVP Taiyo Hayashi on hitting two home runs.

Team Japan (2-0) takes on Team Mexico (1-1) tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. on Cal Sr. Yard.  For scores, highlights, updates and recaps, follow Team Japan on Twitter @CRWS_Japan and visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series/schedule. 

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JAPAN: FIRST GAME OF 2014 CRWS VS CANADA RECAP

Team Japan made a strong statement against Team Canada yesterday winning through the mercy rule 11-1. The bats were hot the entire game for Team Japan as game MVP Hiroki Yoshihara drove in three runs. Team Japan pulled in four runs in the first and never stopped scoring. A stellar defensive performance from Japan and especially Yusuke Kawanaka halted the Canadiens to scoring only one run. Kawanaka opened the game with a strong pitching performance with three strikeouts and one earned run.

For more scores, stats, highlights and recaps, follow Team Japan on Twitter @CRWS_Japan and visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series.