World No. 1 Japan defeated No. 5 USA, 9-1, in front of over 25,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome to close the second day of the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS. It’s the 25th consecutive international win for Samurai Japan.
“The win that really matters is the one we earned today,” commented manager Hirokazu Ibata. “Of course, all those wins matter. They belong to many other managers and players and make us all proud. But we are not thinking about the streak. We want to concentrate on the next game and winning that game on that day.”
The game developed as a pitching duel for the first four innings.
“Don’t look at his age [44]. Rich [Hill] still has his talent; he can still perform at the top level,” commented USA manager Mike Scioscia. “He gave us four strong innings. We thought it was time to go to the bullpen because he couldn’t go much longer, and we were facing a strong lineup. He is still expanding his pitch count.”
“Hiroto Takahashi pitched very well. I would say he was almost perfect. He had a 70 pitch count, but he had been so intense and focused that 70 equalled 100.”
“I felt confident with my fastball and splitter,” said Takahashi. “I think what made the difference with the game I pitched against Korea was the command of my cutter. The hitters didn’t know what they could expect.”
“He threw his fastball up and away, his splitter in,” commented Colbt Thomas. “You need time to adjust to a pitcher like him.”
Thomas gave the US the first lead…
