In a decisive game at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024 Super Round, top-ranked Japan defeated No. 17 Nicaragua with a commanding 9-1 victory. Japan's right-hander Kosuke Sasamori excelled on the mound, delivering five innings of shutout baseball while allowing just three hits. The Nicaraguan pitching staff struggled to contain Japan's potent lineup, which managed ten hits, including a two-run homer from Takuya Yamada and an inside-the-park home run by pinch-hitter Kazuhiro Ura.
Japan took an early lead against Nicaragua’s starter, Angel Canales, with Takuya Yamada capitalizing on a fielding error and Ryo Imazato drawing a walk. Canales struck out two batters but was unable to prevent a ground-rule double from Takanori Takahashi, which put Japan ahead. Despite a coach’s visit and an attempt to control the damage, Kaito Yoshikawa’s groundout ended the at-bat.
In the second inning, Shinnosuke Nishimura led off with a single, advancing to third on a wild pitch before Takuya Yamada hit a two-run homer over the right-field fence. Nicaragua responded by relieving Canales with Jared Albir, who managed to close out the inning after allowing a single to Ryo Imazato. Despite Nicaragua’s efforts to counter Japan's aggressive play, they were unable to make significant headway.
Japan continued to extend their lead in the fifth inning with a series of effective hits and strategic plays. After a balk and intentional walk, Taishi Noguchi scored on a single by Kaito Yoshikawa, with both he and Takahashi scoring on a double by Nishimura. The lead grew to 7-0 with a single by Aiba extending Japan's advantage. Nicaragua managed to score a single run in the sixth inning but was unable to close the gap. Japan's Kazuhito Ura then hit an inside-the-park home run, further securing the win. Japan (3-1) now holds second place and will face No. 6 Korea on September 14, while Nicaragua (2-2) will play No. 24 China.
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