Japan and Korea faced off today in the International Championship game at the Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series in Branson, Missouri.
Japan previously defeated Korea two days earlier by a score of 2-0. Korea looked to avenge their only loss of the tournament while also handing Japan their first loss.
Yugo Maeda took the mound for Japan, he carried a 2.63 ERA with 9 K’s in 8 innings pitched for the tournament so far.
Maeda looked sharp early on shutting down the Korean lineup racking up four strikeouts in just two innings.
With Maeda on the mound in top form Japan didn’t need a lot of runs to win this game. They rallied in the third inning when Rintaro Kosugi got things started with a leadoff single. Shota Motoki drove in Kosugi with a bloop single giving Japan a 1-0 lead. Kanda Lkeguchi followed up with a double driving in Kosugi making the score 2-0. Japan would add one more run in the inning on a scoring error; they lead 3-0 after the third.
Korea tried their best to initiate any sort of offense against Maeda but it was unsuccessful. Maeda retired the Korean lineup in order in both the 4th and 5th inning while racking up eight strikeouts for the game.
Japan would add a few more insurance runs but they wouldn’t be needed. Ryoga Saka would come in and shut the door in the 6th inning as Japan cruised to an easy 5-0 victory.
Japan finished international play undefeated and will play tomorrow in the World Championship game at 7 P.M.
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