U18 Asian Youth Baseball Championship: Japan defeated Taiwan 2:1 to advance to the championship game

Japan's starting pitcher Shoki Oda. (Photo by reporter Lin Zhengkun)

[Reporter Luo Zhipeng/Taipei Report] Japan's ace pitcher Oda Shoki, who is studying at Yokohama High School, started 6 innings and allowed 3 hits and 7K. He also had 5 walks and 1 run to win the game. His fastest pitch speed was 97 miles (approximately 156. 1 km), Wangu Jianxin's supporter successfully defended the game without losing a point. The two worked together to suppress the Taiwan team's line. In the end, Japan defeated Japan 2:1 and won the U18 Asian Youth Baseball Championship ticket. Tomorrow Japan will compete with South Korea for the championship.

Taiwan's ace pitcher Liu Renyou started the game in 4.2 innings and allowed 6 hits. He went 7K and lost 2 points. His fastest ball speed was 94 miles (approximately 151.3 kilometers).

Seeing Japanese ace Shoki Oda speeding as hard as he could and being shocked at the scene, Liu Renyou said, "His average velocity is maintained very well and can be included in my project. A good pitcher can't just accelerate the ball speed without sustaining it. He can change the ball and the angle of entry even better."

In the first inning, the Taiwanese team scored first. Ishida Yuhoshi hit an infield hit. After two outs, Yamada Rintora hit a double to tie the score. Bankani Kenshin hit a timely hit to lead the score. Japan led 2:1 until the end.

After today's game, Liu Renyou blamed himself and said that he was caught by the opponent's batter with a relatively sweet ball. He thought a lot last night, and their strategy was not to throw high balls. As a result, this happened in the first inning. "It was not easy for us to get 1 point. It was because I didn't hold on and did my job. The coach told me that the pressure doesn't need to be so great, but in fact, I had a chance to win because I didn't grasp it."

Liu Renyou said that the coach believed in him and allowed him to pitch in such an important game. Facing such a strong team, he could safely let him play against him and he was very happy. "The coach said that there is nothing to be afraid of losing. You have to know where you lose. Like me, I just lost on a few missed shots."

Japan's starting pitcher Shoki Oda. (Photo by reporter Lin Zhengkun)

Taiwan's starting left-hander Liu Renyou. (Photo by reporter Lin Zhengkun)