Modified on March 27, 2017

Japan in World Baseball Classic
4th Champion is USA
Semi-final: vs USA
Japan played at Dodger Stadium on Mar 22. Former Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo hurled the tornadoe ceremonial pitch which went way too high. Beside him, 89 year of Tommy Lasorda. In the rain an exciting game was played. Starting pitcher for Japan was Tomoyuki Sugano of the Giants. In the 4th inning, an error by Kikuchi has cost the team a run. But the Kikuchi homered to equalize. In the 8th inning, another faulty catch by Nobuyuki Matsuda gave USA a run. The game ended 2 to 1. Second Round: vs Israel
Japan won 8 to 3 on March 15

Second Round: vs Cuba
Japan won 8 to 5 on March 14

Second Round: vs Netherlands
Japan won 8 to 6 on March 12

> First Round: vs China
It's an easy 7 to 1 win on March 10.

First Round: vs Australia
Japan won 4 to 1 on March 8.

First Round: vs Cuba
Japan did not need to fear this team winning 11 to 6 on March 7. All games in the preliminary round are played at Tokyo Dome.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Yomiuri Giants	Miyazaki-city, Miyazaki (Feb.1-12) Naha, Okinawa (Feb.14 to Mar 1)
Tokyo Yakult Swallows	Urazoe, Okinawa (Feb.1-27)
Hanshin Tigers	Ginoza, Okinawa (Feb.1-28) )
Hiroshima Toyo Carp	Nichinan, Miyazaki (Feb.1-20) Okinawa (Feb.22-Mar.1)
Chunichi Dragons	Chatan, Okinawa (Feb.1-Feb.26)
Yokohama DeNA	Ginowan-city, Okinawa (Feb.1- 26)

PACIFIC LEAGUE
Fukuoka Softbank Hawks	Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki (Feb.1-27)
Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters	Arizona (Feb.1-Feb.10) Nago, Okinawa (Feb.13-25)
Chiba Lotte Marines	Ishigaki, Okinawa(Feb.1-21)
Saitama Seibu Lions	Nango, Miyazaki (Feb.1-19) Kochi (Feb.21-27)
Orix Buffaloes	Miyazaki (Feb.1-28)
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles	Kume Island, Okinawa (Feb.2-11)

For info on previous baseball seasons, go to BASEBALL ARCHIVE

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