Suzuki leads Samurai Japan to thrilling win over South Korea

TOKYO: Seiya Suzuki hit two home runs to lead Japan to an 8-6 victory over South Korea on Saturday, helping Samurai Japan remain unbeaten in group play of the World Baseball Classic.

Suzuki stole the spotlight from teammate Shohei Ohtani in a thrilling contest that saw the East Asian rivals combine for five home runs in front of an excited home crowd.

“I’m glad I was able to hit in a way that gives the team some momentum,” said Suzuki, who plays as a centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs. “I want to stay focused and keep it going.”

South Korea struck first in the opening inning, scoring three runs against Japan starter Yusei Kikuchi. Japan responded quickly when Suzuki smashed a two-run homer to bring the hosts back into the game.

Japan regained control in the third inning when Ohtani blasted a powerful home run over the right-centre field wall. Suzuki added another homer soon after, while Masataka Yoshida also went deep to extend Japan’s lead.

South Korea fought back in the fourth inning as Hyeseong Kim hit a two-run homer to level the score. However, Japan produced a decisive three-run seventh inning to seal the win.

The victory leaves Japan level with Australia at 2-0 in Pool C, with the two sides set to face each other on Sunday. South Korea, now 1-1, will meet Australia on Monday.

Japan are the defending World Baseball Classic champions after defeating the United States in the 2023 final, where Ohtani famously struck out Mike Trout for the final out.

The tournament, being held across Tokyo, Puerto Rico, Houston and Miami from March 5 to 17, features 20 national teams competing for the title.