Overview

• Starter Shota Morishita struck out eight as Japan opened the seven-inning tournament in Naha with a 4–1 victory that leaned on pitching and defense.
• A sixth-inning diving stop by third baseman Hikaru Tamenaga ended an Italian threat before Japan pulled away on a three-run sequence created by a throwing error.
• Japan’s second group game is set for Sept. 6 against South Korea, with the top three in each pool advancing to the super round.
• In domestic pro baseball, Hanshin beat Hiroshima 6–1 behind Yusuke Oyama’s grand slam to cut its magic number to 3; Orix’s Ryosuke Kuri logged his 10th win in a 2–0 result over Nippon-Ham; Chunichi halted its skid on Jason Vosler’s go-ahead homer against Yomiuri.
• MLB clubs confirmed upcoming starts for Japanese pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers at Orioles on Sept. 6 local) and Yusei Kikuchi (Angels vs. Athletics on Sept. 6 local), and Japan’s top juniors were crowned at the UNIQLO All-Japan Junior championships in Tokyo.