Japan wins U-23 Baseball World Cup

In the final of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, Japan defeated South Korea 3-0 thanks to a Masashi Maruyama three-run homer and a strong pitching performance by the Japanese staff which took a no-hitter into the fifth inning.

Japanese second baseman Maruyama hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the third and it was all his team would need as they captured their second U-23 Baseball World Cup in four attempts.

“I realized that my teammates had been trying hard to get on base, so I figured that I had to contribute as well..”

“We look at this tournament as a constant challenge for the team and myself. I believe that through the tournament, we were able to accomplish a lot. From now on, we think that we are more ready to face the challenges the future will have for us.” said a victorious Maruyama after the game.

Japan’s manager Aiko Ishii wasw impressed with his young team, “I was well aware of the level of the tournament, but I knew my players were here to do their best to win.”

Korea’s left-hander Saangyung Lee, who was virtually un-hittable throughout the tournament, gave up his first World Cup runs.

“I pitched against Mexico, and I worked on a three-day rest. I didn’t feel I had my best stuff tonight, but I tried my best. I don’t think I made a mistake on that pitch. I credit Maruyama,” said Lee.

The Japanese pitchers were dominant throughout the tournament. In the fifth inning, Korea had a runner reach base, but they were unable to capitalize as they grounded into a double play to end the inning.

“I wouldn’t say it was a bad choice We were down three runs. You have to trust your hitters in that situation. Japan’s pitching was top-level, but our hitters didn’t play at our best throughout the tournament,” said Korean manager Yeon Soo Lee.

In the tournament’s MVP went to reliever Ryusei Gonda of Japan. He pitched seven innings and allowed only one run on two hits over the series.

“Today we played the final. We all know what we are supposed to do in a game like this,” said Gonda after the final. “Throughout the tournament, I look at it as if we went successfully through different challenges as it went by. But my teammates and I all believe that the most important thing is to do our job, and we go from there.”

Gonda, 22, who finished his senior year at Meisei University, added: “I also appreciate the opportunity to play in the tournament. My teammates and I are ready for more challenges in the future. I want to share the merit of the award with them.”

After successfully defending their U-21 Baseball World Cup title in 2014, Japan won the first U-23 Baseball World Cup in 2016. They finished second to Mexico in 2018.

Despite finishing third in the U-21 tournament in 2014, fourth in the U-21 tournament in 2018, and bronze in 2016, Korea had never participated in a final of the age-group tournament.

“You are never satisfied when you finish second, but we gave all we had. This makes me proud,” said a satisfied Korean manager Yeon Soo Lee.