World No. 1 Japan, currently the only undefeated team in the highly competitive WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS, is set to face off against No. 9 Cuba in what promises to be an electrifying matchup at the iconic Taipei Tianmu Stadium on Sunday, November 17. The stakes are incredibly high as both teams bring a rich history and fierce competition to the international baseball arena.
Japan has chosen Takahisa Hayakawa as their starting pitcher for the critical encounter. Born in 1998, Hayakawa is a talented left-handed pitcher and a standout for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He made his professional debut for the Eagles in 2021 and has since made significant strides in his career, with 2024 marking his most impressive season thus far. Over the course of the season, Hayakawa started in 25 games, achieving an 11-6 win-loss record while pitching a total of 170.1 innings. He showcased his pitching prowess by striking out 160 batters, issuing only 35 walks, and allowing 156 hits. His performance earned him a commendable earned run average (ERA) of 2.54, underscoring his crucial role for Japan in this tournament.
Cuba will counter with their own ace, Raymond Figueredo, a 26-year-old right-hander who has been a key player for the Havana Industriales in the Cuban offseason Serie Nacional since the 2017-18 season. Figueredo, known for his dynamic pitching style, has consistently been a starting pitcher and has proven to be a reliable asset for his team. During the summer of 2024, he played effectively in both Cuba and the Italian Baseball League, where he significantly contributed to Parma’s success, helping them secure the pennant. Figueredo compiled an impressive 6-2 record across nine starts and maintained a solid earned run average of 2.80, solidifying his reputation as a formidable pitcher heading into this high-stakes matchup.
While Japan and Cuba are both renowned powerhouses in international baseball, this particular matchup is historic in that they have never faced each other in the WBSC Premier12. Their previous encounters in other prestigious tournaments have set the stage for a thrilling showdown.
Japan emerged victorious against Cuba in the inaugural World Baseball Classic final back in 2006, showcasing their dominance in international play. However, Cuba struck back in the 2013 World Baseball Classic Opening Round, holding Japan to a 6-3 defeat. The rivalry continued in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where Japan displayed their strength by winning both in the Opening Round (11-6) and in the second round (8-5). The most recent clash between these storied baseball nations saw Cuba seal a 7-0 victory at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in 2022, hinting at the competitive nature of their encounters.
How does your training routine change in preparation for high-stakes games against renowned teams like Cuba?
**Interview with Takahisa Hayakawa – Starting Pitcher for Japan in WBSC Premier12 2024**
**Editor:** Good morning, Takahisa! Thank you for joining us today. With Japan set to face off against Cuba on November 17, how are you feeling heading into this crucial matchup?
**Takahisa Hayakawa:** Good morning! I’m feeling excited and a bit nervous, but mostly ready. Every game in this tournament is significant, especially against a strong team like Cuba. We’ve been preparing well, and I trust my teammates and the game plan.
**Editor:** As the only undefeated team in this competition, do you feel any extra pressure to maintain that record?
**Takahisa Hayakawa:** There is definitely a sense of responsibility, but we try to focus on each game individually rather than the overall record. Our goal is to play at our highest level and win, regardless of past performances. It’s about the present moment.
**Editor:** You have had an impressive season with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Reflecting on your achievements, do you believe your experience in NPB has helped you in the international arena?
**Takahisa Hayakawa:** Absolutely! Playing in the NPB has provided me with invaluable experience. Competing at that level prepares you for high-pressure situations like the Premier12. Every game has its challenges, but I’ve learned to stay composed and analyze hitters effectively.
**Editor:** You’re facing a Cuban team that has a rich history in baseball. What are your thoughts on the challenge they present?
**Takahisa Hayakawa:** Cuba has always been a tough competitor with an incredible baseball tradition. Their hitters are very skilled and aggressive, so maintaining my focus and executing my pitches will be crucial. It’s all about respect for their history and adapting our strategies to counter their strengths.
**Editor:** What’s your personal strategy heading into this game, and how do you plan to handle the pressure?
**Takahisa Hayakawa:** My strategy is to trust my pitches and focus on executing every throw. Staying calm is essential. I’ll remind myself to take things one pitch at a time. If I can do that, I’ll feel good about our chances to succeed as a team.
**Editor:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Takahisa! We wish you and the team the best of luck against Cuba. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with the fans?
**Takahisa Hayakawa:** Thank you! I just want to say that we appreciate all the support from our fans. We’ll give it our all on the field, and we hope to make everyone proud!
**Editor:** Thank you, Takahisa! Good luck in the match!
