TOKYO — The first WBSC Premier12 semifinal match will get underway with host and world No. 1 Samurai Japan and rival No.8 South Korea at the Tokyo Dome tonight.
Japan will turn to Shohei Ohtani (15-5 this season with NPB’s Nippon Ham Fighters), while South Korea will go with Rhee Dae-eun (9-9; NPB’s Chiba Lotte Marines).
Ohtani’s 10 strikeouts and fastball that was registered as high at 161 km/h (100 mph) helped Japan earn a 5-0 shutout victory against South Korea to open the Premier12 on 8 November.
Rhee (5 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 6K) started against Venezuela in a 13-2 Opening Round win on 12 November.
Both Otani and Rhee pitched at the Tokyo Dome during the 2015 NPB season and both pitchers were tagged with losses in those games.
Mexico and the United States will play in the their semifinal battle Friday night at 19:00 and starting pitchers of this contest are scheduled to be announced tonight.
