Two-way player Hikaru Matsuda and left fielder Yusuke Morita combined for four hits and seven RBI to lead Japan to their first win of the tournament. The Asian champions topped South Africa, 11-0 in four innings, in the last game at Freeman Stadium.
Matsuda went 2-for-3 tonight with three RBI, including a two-run homer in Japan’s six-run third inning. The WBSC Player of the Year 2019 was also the winning pithcer for Japan, toossing three scoreless innings of one-hit ball while striking out seven. On the other hand, leadoff hitter Morita finished 2-for-2 with four RBI and two runs scored.
South Africa’s Phomolo Phaladi ledoff the game with a single, but this was his team’s only hit of the game.
The losing pitcher was Tidima Kekana, who gave up four hits and five runs in one inning, with three walks and one strikeout.
“It was a good win. We had a long time today from the Opening Ceremony to play the last game," Matsuda said. “The team was good with five runs – the batting was strong. We have another late game tomorrow against Australia. That is a big game.”
