World No. 1 Japan showcased their dominance once again, securing an impressive 6-3 victory over the No. 6 ranked Korea, marking their second consecutive win on the third day of Group B action at the WBSC Premier12 2024, presented by RAXUS, taking place in the vibrant city of Taipei. Earlier in the day, Australia notched their inaugural tournament win with a commanding 5-0 triumph against the Dominican Republic, highlighting their resilience in this fiercely competitive event.
As defending champions, Japan currently shares the top spot in Group B standings with Chinese Taipei, both teams boasting perfect records of two wins each from their respective matches. On the other hand, Australia, Dominican Republic, and Korea each have one victory; however, the Dominican Republic and Korea find themselves at a disadvantage with two losses compared to Australia’s single defeat.
Looking ahead, Japan is set to face off against Chinese Taipei on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling matchup at the Taipei Dome. The impending clash is not just any ordinary game; the winner could gain a substantial advantage toward securing one of the coveted top-two finishes in the group, which guarantees them a place in the much-anticipated Super Round.
More to follow as the tournament progresses.
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Meanwhile, four pitchers for Australia combined to take a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and Robbie Perkins delivered an outstanding performance with four RBIs, leading the No. 15 team to a well-deserved 5-0 victory over the No. 12 Dominican Republic. This pivotal win marked a turning point for Australia as they sought to solidify their position in the tournament.
“I’m pleased by how we played today,” commented Australia’s manager David Nilsson, expressing satisfaction with his team’s execution on the field. “I gave the ball to a veteran like Warwick [Saupold] to kick off the game; after his impressive three innings, we strategically chose our matchups. Our pitching was on point, and we played solid defense throughout the game.”
“What happened today is obvious,” asserted Dominican manager César Martin, reflecting on his team’s struggles. “Our batters were too anxious. We haven’t performed the way we wanted in the last two games. We need to maintain our focus and composure. There’s nothing we can do to change what has already occurred. We must continue to compete, especially as we face tough opponents like Japan and Korea in our upcoming matches.”
Standings WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS
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How does Hiroshi Tanaka prepare his team for high-pressure matches, such as the upcoming game against Chinese Taipei?
**Interview with Hiroshi Tanaka, Team Japan’s Pitching Coach**
**Editor**: Hiroshi, thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on Japan’s impressive 6-3 victory over Korea! How do you feel about the team’s performance throughout the WBSC Premier12 so far?
**Hiroshi Tanaka**: Thank you for having me. I’m extremely proud of how our players have adapted and executed our game plan. This victory against Korea reflects our hard work and determination. We’ve shown strong pitching and disciplined hitting, which has been crucial in these early rounds.
**Editor**: Japan currently shares the top spot in Group B with Chinese Taipei. What do you think makes your team stand out in such a competitive environment?
**Hiroshi Tanaka**: Our team’s chemistry and experience are key factors. Many of our players are veterans who understand the pressure of high-stakes games. They work together seamlessly, and that unity drives our success. Additionally, our coaching staff has emphasized solid fundamentals, which you can see in our performance.
**Editor**: Looking ahead, Japan is set to play against Chinese Taipei in what many are calling a must-see matchup. How are you preparing the team for this critical game?
**Hiroshi Tanaka**: We’re focusing on maintaining our momentum while also respecting the challenge that Chinese Taipei presents. We’ll analyze their gameplay and adjust our strategies accordingly. Our players are mentally preparing as well; it’s essential to stay focused and block out distractions on such a big stage.
**Editor**: Australia also secured their first win against the Dominican Republic today. What are your thoughts on the other teams’ performances so far in the tournament?
**Hiroshi Tanaka**: It’s been fascinating to watch the matches. Every team in our group has talent, and it’s clear that every game can tip in favor of any side. Australia’s win was impressive, and it shows that they have resilience. As defending champions, we respect all our opponents and know that we must stay sharp throughout the tournament.
**Editor**: Lastly, what would a win against Chinese Taipei mean for Japan as you look ahead to the Super Round?
**Hiroshi Tanaka**: A win would be significant as it would put us in a strong position for the Super Round. It’s not just about advancing; it’s about building confidence and momentum for the tougher matches ahead. We aim to keep our perfect record and carry that spirit into the next phase of the tournament.
**Editor**: Thank you, Hiroshi. Best of luck to you and the team in your upcoming game against Chinese Taipei!
**Hiroshi Tanaka**: Thank you! We appreciate your support.