Updated: November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) – 7:00 AM JST
By: Samurai Baseball News Editorial Team
Samurai Japan’s bats came alive in Miyazaki on November 10, defeating the Hiroshima Carp 14–11 in an explosive exhibition matchup.
The slugfest featured a combined 29 hits, giving Japan strong momentum heading into this weekend’s “Raksas Samurai Japan Series 2025: Japan vs Korea” at the Tokyo Dome (Nov 15–16).
⚾ Game Recap: Japan 14–11 Hiroshima (Nov 10, Miyazaki)
This matchup served as a preparation game for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and marked the first live test of MLB-style rules in Japan — including the pitch clock, MLB baseballs, PitchCom communication system, and larger bases.
Key Performers
- Shohta Morishita (Hanshin Tigers) – Crushed a two-run homer in the 5th, continuing his streak as Samurai Japan’s “First Homer Guy” for three straight tournaments.
- Yuki Okabayashi (Chunichi Dragons) – Racked up four hits, strengthening his case as Japan’s leadoff hitter.
- Shugo Maki (DeNA BayStars, Captain) – Delivered timely hits and led the lineup with poise.
- Hiroki Nishikawa (Chiba Lotte Marines) – Started in left field, showing both solid defense and a sharp bat.
- Taisei Ota (Yomiuri Giants) – Worked a clean relief inning, showing steady form ahead of the Korea series.
On the other hand, Tomichiro Sumida (Seibu Lions) struggled, surrendering nine runs in 2⅔ innings.
Kazuki Murabayashi (Rakuten Eagles) became the first player in Japan to be penalized for a pitch clock violation, highlighting the team’s ongoing adjustment to the new timing rules.
🇯🇵 Team Updates (As of Nov 11 Morning)
Samurai Japan
- Offense firing on all cylinders — Okabayashi, Morishita, Maki, and Nishikawa all locked in.
- Pitchers still adapting to the pitch clock; Sumida will focus on control in his next outing.
- Atsuki Taneichi (Lotte) withdrew due to back issues, replaced by Tomichiro Sumida (Seibu).
- The team continues training in Miyazaki, with final preparations underway for the first Korea game on Nov 15.
Team Korea
- Full 35-man roster already announced.
- Pitching staff led by Moon Dong-ju (Hanwha Eagles, 160 km/h fastball), Kwak Bin (Doosan Bears), and Go Young-pyo (KT Wiz).
- Offense emphasizes speed with Kim Joo-won and Park Hae-min in key roles.
- Coming off a friendly series vs Czech Republic (Nov 8–9) and set to arrive in Japan on Nov 12.
🧢 Projected Lineup – Game 1 (Nov 15, Tokyo Dome)
| Batting Order | Pos | Player (Team) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF | Yuki Okabayashi (Chunichi) |
| 2 | 2B | Shugo Maki (DeNA, Captain) |
| 3 | CF | Shohta Morishita (Hanshin) |
| 4 | 1B | Kazuma Okamoto (Yomiuri) |
| 5 | 3B | Kaito Kozono (Hiroshima) |
| 6 | LF | Hiroki Nishikawa (Chiba Lotte) |
| 7 | SS | Kazuki Murabayashi (Rakuten) |
| 8 | C | Seishiro Sakamoto (Hanshin) |
| 9 | DH | Chusei Mannami (Nippon-Ham) |
| SP | — | Kaima Taira (Seibu) |
🧮 Predicted Results
- Game 1 (Nov 15): Japan 7–4 Korea
→ Okabayashi and Morishita set the tone early; Nishikawa shines on both sides of the field. - Game 2 (Nov 16): Japan 5–3 Korea
→ Okamoto’s homer and Maki’s clutch hit lead the offense. Hiromi Itoh tosses six strong innings.
Overall Prediction: Japan sweeps 2–0.
With the offense clicking and Nishikawa anchoring the outfield, Samurai Japan looks poised to overpower Korea’s pitching staff.
💬 Fan Reactions (Morning of Nov 11)
- “Nishikawa’s defense was elite — he’s our left fielder, no doubt!”
- “Okabayashi’s four hits sealed his leadoff spot.”
- “Morishita = Opening Game Homer Guy, again!”
- Korean fans: “Moon Dong-ju will shut down Japan’s bats!”
- Japanese fans: “Let’s repeat that 18-hit performance against Korea!”
📺 Broadcast, Streaming & Tickets
- TV Broadcast
- Nov 15 (Sat): Nationwide on TBS Network
- Nov 16 (Sun): Nationwide on TV Asahi
- Streaming: Exclusive live coverage on Amazon Prime Video
- Tickets: Mostly sold out, with limited additional sales available as of Nov 11.
✍ Editor’s Take
Samurai Japan’s lineup looks WBC-ready — explosive offense, improved outfield defense led by Hiroki Nishikawa, and growing team chemistry.
If the pitchers can quickly adjust to the pitch clock, Japan could sweep Korea and send a strong message ahead of the WBC 2026 Tokyo Pool. 🔥
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