Japan’s Kozono Shines Against USA, Venezuela Edges Chinese Taipei on WBSC Premier12 Super Round Opening Day
Kaito Kozono delivered a stellar performance for Japan in their matchup against the USA, smashing two home runs and driving in seven RBIs to earn Player of the Game honors. Meanwhile, the Super Round of the WBSC Premier12 2024, presented by RAXUS Group, kicked off with Japan and Venezuela claiming significant victories in Tokyo on Thursday.
🏆 The WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS Super Round Day 1 is in the books.
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) November 21, 2024
💪 Big day for Venezuela and Japan.#Premier12 || @Premier12 pic.twitter.com/8CjZfzCdS6
In the day’s headline game, defending champions and world No. 1 Japan triumphed 9-1 over world No. 5 USA in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s World Baseball Classic final. The victory, witnessed by over 25,000 fans in the electrifying atmosphere of the Tokyo Dome, marked Samurai Japan’s 25th consecutive international win.
“The win that really matters is the one we earned today,” said Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata, downplaying the significance of the streak. “While those past wins make us proud, our focus is solely on the next game and securing another victory.”
The game remained a pitching duel for the first four innings, with Japan’s 22-year-old starter Hiroto Takahashi facing off against USA’s veteran Rich Hill, 44. “Don’t let his age fool you,” USA manager Mike Scioscia said of Hill. “Rich still has the talent and ability to compete at the highest level, and he gave us four strong innings.”
Earlier in the day, Venezuela secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei. Catcher Carlos Perez delivered a game-changing moment, homering on the first pitch he faced from Tzu-Peng Huan in the bottom of the fourth inning. “I was looking for a breaking ball, and he gave me a slider that hung just enough,” Perez shared after the game.
Venezuela advanced to the Super Round after an impressive 4-1 record in Group A in Mexico, while Japan remained unbeaten in Group B, extending their streak to 24 wins.
The action continues on Friday with Chinese Taipei facing the USA at 12:00 (local time), followed by a showdown between Venezuela and Japan at 19:00.
