Japan earns bronze medal at the U-18 Baseball World Cup

Japan beat (8-1) Canada and earn a deserved bronze medal at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017. Japan starter Ginji Miura proves to be almost unhittable for the hosts and leaves after 106 pitches (72 strikes, close to 68%) and the win secured. Canada get their first hit in the fourth and the second in the seventh, the last inning of work for Miura. Canada have failed to keep Japan scoreless, missing a couple of double play opportunities in the top of the third.

Japan take the lead in the top of the third off Canada starter Wesley Moore and won’t need to look back. Shortstop Kozono leads off with a base hit to left, he then gets to second on a wild pitch and scores when a slow chopper by right fielder Fujiwara gets by second baseman Julien on a bad hop. Moore gets a grounder that could mean a double play from left fielder Ito, but Julien assist to second is late and Ito is safe. Moore walks third baseman Yasuda to load the bases, but rapidly allows another run on a wild pitch. With runners at second and third, Kiyomiya makes it 3-0 with a base hit to center, driving Yasuda to third. Designated hitter Sakurai lines to left field for the first out, but drives it deep enough to score Yasuda.

Samurai add 2 runs in the top of the fourth. Reliever Jack Decooman is welcomed by Masuda with a base hit. The center fielder advances to second on a sacrifice bunt. After Decooman walks Ito, Masuda scores on a single to left by Fujiwara. The lead off right fielder steals second and Ito draws a walk after working the count full. An RBI single by Yasuda makes it 6-0 and sends Decooman to the showers. William Sierra takes the mound for Canada and uses just 3 pitches to get out of the inning.
Canada enjoy their first hit (a single by third baseman Noah Naylor) against Japan starter Ginji Miura in the bottom of the fourth, but won’t go beyond first base bag.

Japan extend the lead in the top of the seventh against Landon Leach, Canada fourth pitcher. Catcher Nakamura leads off with a single and then steals second. Leach strikes out second baseman Inoue, but after that allows to Masuda an RBI single to center field.
In the bottom half of the frame Naylor gets the second hit of his day and the second overall for Canada. Willow adds one with 2 outs, taking Canada for the first time in scoring position. But the inning ends when designated hitter Cerny grounds into a force out to third.

Ginji Miura pitched a gem for Japan (Christian J Stewart)

In the bottom of the eighth Shumpei Isomura relieves Miura. The starter adds a gem to his files: just 3 hits and a walk allowed in 7 innings of work, while striking out 12.
The third error in the game by Canada helps Japan manufacture another run in the ninth. With runners at the corners, Nishimaki grounds into a force out at second while Kiyomiya scores.
Canada finally get on the scoreboard, touching home plate against Tatsuya Shimuzu, during their ninth and last at bat. Center fielder Keyes leads off with a single. With 2 outs, Shimizu walks first baseman Stovman. Shortstop Willow follows with a single to left that scores Keyes. Runners advance on a wild pitch and Cerny works the count full, but he ends up being the last hitter of the game as he grounds out to second base.

Samurai Japan farewell to Thunder Bay fans after earning a bronze medal (Christian J Stewart)