Japan staged a dramatic comeback victory over Australia 4-3 on Sunday at Tokyo Dome in World Baseball Classic Pool C action, with the historic game witnessed by Emperor Naruhito in a rare public appearance.
Australia took the early advantage in the sixth inning when outfielder Aaron Whitefield scored following a throwing mistake by Japan’s catcher Kenya Wakatsuki.
Japan responded in the seventh inning when Masataka Yoshida launched a crucial two-run homer beyond the right-center field wall. The home team added two additional runs for cushion in the eighth inning to secure the victory.
Star player Shohei Ohtani, who had delivered home runs in Japan’s previous two tournament games, struggled to contribute offensively on Sunday. The Los Angeles Dodgers sensation had a golden opportunity with bases loaded in the third inning, but teammate Shugo Maki was caught off base by Australian catcher Robbie Perkins, ending the threat.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Yoshida, who also went deep in Japan’s win against South Korea the previous day, now has accumulated 19 RBIs during his World Baseball Classic career, ranking third all-time in tournament history.
The World Baseball Classic, now in its sixth edition since launching in 2006, represents a major source of national pride for Japan. The country consistently sends its top talent and leads all nations with three tournament titles.
Emperor Naruhito’s attendance from a box seat above home plate highlighted the event’s significance, marking the first time a reigning Japanese emperor has attended professional baseball since 1966, according to the Yomiuri newspaper.
The international tournament spans March 5-17 across venues in Tokyo, Puerto Rico, Houston and Miami, featuring 20 national teams competing in preliminary pools. The top two squads from each group advance to quarterfinal play.
Having already defeated Taiwan and South Korea in Pool C competition, Japan had previously clinched their spot in the Miami playoffs before Sunday’s contest.
Japan enters as the reigning WBC champions after defeating the United States in last year’s championship game. Both nations are considered leading contenders to meet again in this year’s title match.
