U18亞青棒球賽／日本2連勝晉級超級循環賽 監督談火球王牌織田翔希定位

Shoki Oda. (File photo, taken from Sankei Sports)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] Japan defeated Sri Lanka 27:0 in four games today, winning two consecutive victories in the U18 Asian Youth Baseball Championship, and confirmed to advance to the super round. Regarding fireball ace Oda Shoki, who has not played in the two games, Japanese director Ryusei Okada also revealed his thoughts.

The 18-year-old Shoki Oda played for Yokohama High School in Koshien this summer. He hit a ball of 156 kilometers, setting the record for the fastest ball speed in the history of the game. His current personal top speed is 157 kilometers. He is a popular candidate in the first round of this year's Japanese professional draft. At the same time, Japanese media also reported that major league teams including the Dodgers, Yankees and Padres are also interested in him.

Oda Shoki has not yet boarded the board in this U18. Supervisor Okada said that he is considering using Oda Shoki as a terminator because he has backup experience in Hajia this year and has great adaptability in any position; Okada also mentioned that Oda Shoki himself has said that no matter which position he is in, he can vote.

Japanese media "Sports News" reported that Japan is expected to compete with South Korea and Taiwan, which are competing for the championship, in the Super Cycle, so Oda is likely to be on the board in these key games. However, before today's game, Supervisor Okada said that there were discussions today, but no conclusion has yet been reached as to which game Shoki Oda should be on the board.