Japan put on show of strength against Panama

World No. 1 Japan proved simply too much for brave No. 11 Panama with a 7-0 shut out win at the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. Their pitchers pounded the strike zone, their defence was executed perfectly whenever Panama had a scoring chance, and their running game made the difference.

Panama had a couple of scoring chances early in the game.

Shortstop Hector Rayo led off with a double. Japan's starter, Yuzuki Nakayama, used 12 pitches to retire the side in order, including two on strikes.

Right fielder José Gonzalez led off the third with a single. With runners at second and third, Rayo dropped a bunt that Nakayama fielded cleanly, getting the out at first. Gonzalez tried to score from third, but first baseman Ryusei Terachi got him at home, completing the double play.

Japan took the lead in the bottom half of the frame despite brave attempts by Panama's middle infielders. Shinnosule Chibana led off with a single. The first out came on a two-strike bunt attempt that ended in foul territory. Chibama advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on back-to-back hard-hit infield singles at shortstop by Ryusei Terachi and at second base by Hayaka Kobayashi.

Japan added two runs in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs and a runner at second, Chibana hit a hard grounder to third. Dimas Oda dove to stop the ball, but his throw went away from the first base bag. Chibana reached second and scored on Hashimoto's single to right field.

The U-18 Samurai opened the score in the bottom of the sixth. With Japan leading 4-0, Panama gave the call to their fourth pitcher, right-hander Efrain Cubilla. Kobayashi got to his fifth pitch and cleared the bases with a triple.

Japan's bullpen was simply spectacular. Yuto Kimura pitched three perfect innings, striking out five, and Koki Takahashi took care of the three final outs.

On Sunday, 3 September, Japan (2-0) will face No. 2 USA (2-0). Panama (1-1) will play No. 7 Netherlands (1-1).