The ‘next-generation monster’ Roki Sasaki (22, Chiba Lotte Marines) contributed to the team’s winning streak. It was like a gift for his father.
Sasaki took the mound as a starting pitcher in the third game against the Czech Republic in Group B in the first round of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final held at the Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo on the 11th.
‘Right-handed fireballer’ Sasaki is Japan’s best prospect. In April of last year, he performed 9 innings, 19 strikeouts, and no runs against the Orix Buffaloes, achieving the youngest perfect game ever in Japanese professional baseball. With a fast ball that easily exceeds 160 km/h, a high-speed forkball, and a curve with a large drop, baseball worlds around the world are already paying attention to the monster Sasaki.
Against the Czech Republic, Sasaki contributed to the team’s 10-2 victory by throwing 2 hits, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts and 1 run in 3⅔ innings. With this, Japan won three consecutive victories in Group B in the first round, and advance to the quarterfinals was just around the corner.
The spotlight of the match that day also turned to Sasaki. Sasaki, who caught the attention of baseball fans by recording the highest fastball speed of 165 km/h in the evaluation match before the tournament, threw a tremendous fastball in the match against the Czech Republic. 164 km/h was recorded on the display board. The home fans applauded with admiration.토토사이트
March 11th is an unforgettable day for Sasaki. Twelve years ago, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck and he suffered the loss of both his father and grandparents. Sasaki took the starting mound on the anniversary of his father’s death, and before the game, the players held a moment of silence for Sasaki’s father. Sasaki honored his father’s death with an excellent fight in his first appearance in the tournament.
After the game, Sasaki said, “I’m happy to be able to pitch well today. I was replaced in the middle of the inning and the number of pitches was high, but it’s fortunate that I was able to throw with minimal runs. I’m grateful to be able to stand on the mound at the Tokyo Dome.” I didn’t care and focused on the opponent and threw the ball. The support of the fans gave me a lot of strength. I still have a game left, so please support me a lot,” he said of his victory.