Overview

• Japan beat Cuba 3–0 in Naha to move to 3–0 in Group A, with Okumura and Yokoyama driving in runs and three pitchers, led by starter Shimoju, holding Cuba to two hits over seven innings.
• Earlier wins over Italy and South Korea featured timely hitting against a 157 km/h Korean starter and a pivotal stop by third baseman Tamenaga, with opener Morishita fanning eight.
• In Intercity quarterfinals, Mitsubishi Motors Okazaki defeated NTT West 3–0 to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2003, as Akiyama delivered seven scoreless innings.
• Oji routed JFE East 9–1 to book a semifinal against Yamaha, powered by a Kamitori two‑run homer and rookie Shibazaki’s blast, while Kyutani limited damage over eight innings.
• Osaka Prefectural Police detailed plans for up to 1,000 officers in Minami, including phased one‑way controls on Ebisu Bridge and "DJ police," as Hanshin enters a home game with a chance to clinch.