WBSC Premier12 2024: Maki magic propels Japan to top of Super Round standings

22.11.2024 18:22

Defending champions and world No. 1 Japan moved clear at the top of the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS Super Round standings after collecting their second win from as many games following an incredible 9-6 come-from-behind win over world No. 4 Venezuela at the Tokyo Dome on Friday.

In the game between the two Opening Round group winners with Japan down 5-3 in the sixth, a sensational Shugo Maki grand slam home run on the back of a home run from Shogo Sakakura as well as a run from a bases-loaded walk from Kaito Kozono propelled the hosts into a 9-5 lead.

Japan now have two wins from as many games in the Premier12 2024 Super Round as part of a 25-game winning steak and are in pole position to claim a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game with a last Super Round game against Chinese Taipei set for Saturday evening (local time).

"Sakakura hit a home run [to cut the gap], and then Kozono got on base with two outs," Maki said. "So, it was a team effort to set up that scoring chance, and I think the hit was thanks to everyone's contributions.

"When I heard the crowd roar, it was truly the best feeling," added the Samurai Japan first baseman. "The energy in the stadium was amazing, and I was really happy about it."

Earlier in the day, world No. 2 Chinese Taipei defeated No. 5 USA 8-2 improving to 1-1 in the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS Super Round taking place at the Tokyo Dome, Japan. USA are now 0-2.

It was a
one-run game through six innings before Chinese Taipei broke the score open
with a five-run rally in the top of the seventh.

"The
players executed our strategy," commented Chinese Taipei manager Hao-Jiu
Tseng. "They trust each other and have been supporting each other through
this tournament. I want to thank them and my coaching staff."

USA manager Mike Scioscia regretted some missed opportunities. "You have to credit their pitchers and their defence. We couldn't get that big hit that could have helped us make other decisions about the pitching."

"[Our starter] Zac Grotz didn't have his best stuff today," Scioscia added. "But I think we pitched very well for most of the game. We ran into problems in the seventh. You have to give Chinese Taipei credit. They put the ball in play, and they got key hits. Sometimes, you have to look at the other team."

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