20/04/2023 1 Minute Read

Kazuya Umibe’s masterpiece against Mexico maintains Japan’s unbeaten record

The Japanese pitcher tossed a one-hit complete game with 12 strikeouts and one walk. Japan became the lone undefeated team in the tournament with their Super Round win, as Australia's winning streak was ended by New Zealand.

Kazuya Umibe pitched a gem against Mexico in Japan’s first Super Round game to lead his team to a key 1-0 win, keeping their unbeaten run going in the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup. The Japanese pitcher tossed a one-hit complete game with 12 strikeouts and one walk.

Yoshinari Matsumoto scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the first. He launched a line-drive triple to the left field, setting him up a few pitches later to score on a wild pitch by Mexico's Jesus Valdez, who only lasted two outs.

Umibe was almost invincible in the game, as he limited Mexico to only one hit, a Jordan Solorio single, in the fourth inning.

Despite Mexico's struggles on offence, Jose Valdez, who came in relief in the first inning, delivered a great pitching performance, giving up only one hit and one walk in 5.2 innings, with two strikeouts.

Japan maintained a perfect 3-0 record to take control in the Super Round, while Mexico dropped their record to 1-2.