Fujita’s hot bat powers Japan as pitching staff no-hits Mexico

Sakura Miwa, Misaki Katsumata and Miu Goto combined to pitch a no-hitter against Mexico, and Yamato Fujita stayed hot at the plate to lead Japan to their first win at The World Games softball event, a 6-0 win over Mexico. 

Fujita, the WBSC Player of the Year 2021, had a perfect day at the plate, gong 3-for-3, with a home run and 4 RBI. It was the second homer of the tournament for Fujita, who also left the yard yesterday in the unfinished game against Australia.

Miwa got the ball for Japan, and pitched five hitless innings with seven strikeouts. The right handed pitcher hit the leadoff hitter in the first frame, and it was the only Mexican runner of the game. Katsumata pitched a perfect sixth inning while Goto retired the side in the seventh to close the game.

For Mexico, the loss was charged to Desiree Hernandez, who allowed 9 hits and 5 runs in 4.1 innings.

It’s Japan’s first win of the tournament, after their suspended game against Australia. That game will resume today from the fifth frame, with Japan winning 10-1.