South Korea Loses To Japan In A 5-0 Opening Game Of Premier 12 Baseball Tournament In Sapporo

Japan defeated South Korea during the opening game of Premier 12 Baseball Tournament in Sapporo Sunday. Yonap News Agency reported Nov. 9 that Shohei Otani led Japan national team for a 5-0 contest against South Korea.

The 21-year-old Japanese player twirled six leading innings and struck out 10 during the match. In addition, Otani was helped by his teammate Hayato Sakamoto who made a solo home run and performed a well-defensive play.

Japan Times noted that more than 28,000 fans were able to witness the impeccable performance of Otani against their opponent. The right-hander player showed South Korea his signature fastball which struck as fast as 161 kph.

"I believe that he was a little nervous going in, but Otani was just as great as advertised," Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo said after the game. "And it made it easier for our hitters to do their jobs."

Sakamoto followed up that Otani's pace has driven him to step up and help the Japan national team win the opening game.

"Our battery was proceeding with a good tempo and it helped us score those runs," he said. "I was able to hit a homer, too."

On the other hand, South Korea's manager Kim In Sik acknowledged that Otani's pitching tempo has astounded his players.

"(Otani)'s got a great fastball for sure," Kim revealed. "But not just that, his pitches would come in and out of the strike zone (with his breaking balls) and it fooled our hitters."

Meanwhile, Otani said he is just happy for the team's good start on the Premier 12. He added that they will do their best in every contest for this league.

"I would certainly like to contribute to our team in my next outing, and even when I'm not pitching, I want to support the team," Otani said. "I'm not thinking about anything other than the championship. So it was great for us to get off to a good start."