IZU, Japan – The Samurai Japan U-15 National Team went undefeated (5-0) with four shutouts, including a dramatic 1-0 walk-off win over Korea today and a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Friday, to win the Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) U-15 Baseball Championship.

In a pivotal rivalry match on Saturday, No. 4 Chinese Taipei topped No. 3 Korea, 5-3.

Finishing in 1st and 2nd Place, respectively, top-ranked Japan and Chinese Taipei will compete against the world at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2018. To date, nine spots have been claimed in the 12-nation global battle For the title of World Champion in the U-15 age category.

Facts and Figures

• It was Japan’s first Asian U-15 title since 2008.
• Ranked lowest, No. 47 Philippines finished ahead of and defeated No. 26 Pakistan and No. 35 Hong Kong.
• No. 26 Pakistan was the only team in Izu to score a run against top-ranked Japan.
• Four nations had players make the 2017 U-15 All-Asia Team: Japan (4), Chinese Taipei (3), Korea (2) and Pakistan (1).
• Points will be awarded for the WBSC Baseball World Ranking Presented by ENEOS based on the final standings.

Final Standings

1. Japan (5-0)
2. Chinese Taipei (4-1)
3. Korea (3-2)
4. Philippines (2-3)
5. Pakistan (1-4)
6. Hong Kong (0-5)

WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2018

• Africa (1): TBD
• Asia (2): Japan, Chinese Taipei
• Americas(5): Dominican Republic, United States, 2x defending U-15 Baseball World Cup champion Cuba, Panama, Brazil
• Europe(2): Germany, Netherlands
• Oceania (1): TBD
• Wild Card (1): TBD