Japan 8-1 Argentina: Japan’s Inagaki, Iseki show dominant form over Argentina

Pitcher Takuro Inagaki showed his wide-ranging skilset and consistency on the circle, while teammate Ayato Iseki led an offence-driven faction that kept their Japan unbeaten run at the Super Round of the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, with a 8-1 triumph over Argentina at Calquhoun Park in North Palmerston City in New Zealand.

In five innings Inagaki was able to strike out Argentina’s batters on seven occasions. Iseki Ayato fired three RBIs and reached the plate twice, while Bogdan Becic scored Argentina’s only run in the match.

After a scoreless first inning, Argentina recorded its first run as Franco Godoy plated pinch runner Bogdan Becic with a singled to the right side.

Japan responded with three runs in the bottom of the second inning with Iseki leading the charge with a triple that allowed Rui Mimoto to reach home plate.

Iseki then scored on a wild pitch to snatch the lead for Japan 2-1 before Kai Yamamoto accomplished the team’s good run in the second inning at 3-1.

Masaru Nishimori grounded out in the fourth inning to plate Iseki for Japan to move ahead 4-1.

Argentina remained scoreless in the top of the fifth inning, but Japan continued to be productive with five consecutive hits to open the inning. Finally, Mimoto put the final touches to their dominant run as he scored the walk-off run on an RBI single Masaya Ohashi hit to conclude the game 8-1 after five innings.