Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion
BaseballSports

Japan fall to University Team in WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup warm-up

(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japan U-18 National Team Falls to University Squad in WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Warm-Up

Okinawa, Japan – Less than a week ahead of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025, defending champions Samurai Japan faced a tough test in their first send-off game, losing 8-1 to the Japan University National Team at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha on Sunday.

The high school squad showed promise early, keeping pace with their collegiate counterparts through six innings and even out-hitting them in that span. Starter Kensin Shimoshige struck out three while giving up just a solo home run, and relievers Daito Nakano, Shota Morishita, Ryusa Tsuji, and Saku Hayase held the score steady through the sixth inning.

On offense, Kaito Fujimori delivered the lone RBI for Japan, while both he and Yota Abe collected two hits apiece. At that stage, the U-18 team had out-hit the university squad.

The turning point came in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, the experienced university players, led by Kyudo Yamagata and Koichiro Oda, erupted for four runs, seizing control. From there, top collegiate pitchers Yoshihisa Arima, Yasunari Suzuki, and Gen’ei Sato shut the door, with Sato closing the game with a 156 km/h strikeout.

Despite the loss, manager Masayoshi Ogura highlighted the positives: “Our pitchers performed well for most innings, and batters adjusted to powerful pitching. We’ve seen growth in swing technique since the bat standard changes. Now it’s about composure with two outs.”

University manager Tetsuya Horii praised the U-18 squad as well, noting their strong batting and pitching, and encouraged them to play confidently at the World Cup.

Japan’s U-18 team will continue preparations with practice at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha on Monday, followed by a second send-off match against a selection from the Koshien champions, Okinawa Prefectural High School, on Tuesday.

Event: WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 | Dates: September 5–14 | Location: Okinawa, Japan

Related posts

Keegan Bradley Admits Ryder Cup Playing Role Still on His Mind

Editor

Pakistan Football Side Climbs in Latest FIFA Rankings

Editor

Arshad Nadeem cruises to Olympic javelin final with 86.59m season best throw

admin

Leave a Comment