In the opening game of the Olympic baseball tournament on Wednesday, host Japan defeated the Dominican Republic 4-3.
Thanks to a game-winning single by Hayato Sakamoto that capped a three-run ninth-inning rally.
Japan vs Dominican Republic Baseball Olympics
Starting pitcher Cristopher Mercedes gave the Dominicans a 3-1 lead going into the ninth inning by completely dominating a lineup.
He was very familiar with from his time in the Nippon Professional Baseball. In the eighth inning, Johan Mieses threw out a runner attempting to score from third.
World No. 1 Japan to face the Dominican Republic in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games baseball opener
Six of the top teams in the world, including five of the top-10, will compete in the baseball tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Following the final draw for the baseball tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Japan will open against the Dominican Republic on July 28.
Group A also includes the hosts’ Mexican counterparts. Group B consists of the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Israel.
Powerhouse The most recent WBSC Baseball World Rankings, which include 84 countries and territories, confirm Japan’s position as the best in the world.
The reigning Olympic gold medalists Third in the world is the Republic of Korea, followed by the United States (#4) and Mexico (#5).
The Dominican Republic is the lowest-ranked team that made it into the Olympics. The sixth and final member of the squad is Israel, who sits at number 24 in the world.
After being absent for the past 13 Games, baseball will compete in Tokyo in 2020.
The group stage will use a round robin format, and the knockout stage will feature six rounds of competition, culminating in a gold and bronze medal match.
Olympic Baseball 2021: Japan Beats Dominican Republic 4-3 on Day 1
Japan, hot off their softball gold medal, opened the baseball tournament at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo with a 4-3 victory over the Dominican Republic.
After Gustavo Nunez’s RBI double in the top of the ninth inning gave the Dominican Republic a 3-1 lead, it looked like they would cruise to victory in the bottom of the inning.
After Yuki Yanagita and Kensuke Kondoh singled back-to-back times, the home team now has runners on first and second with one out.
Upon a bunt by Takuya Kai, Sosuke Genda scored after Munetaka Murakami had singled to right field to make the score 3-2.
Hayato Sakamoto hit a long drive to centre after Tetsuto Yamada singled to put runners on the corners.
Conclusion
This was exactly how Japan hoped to begin the competition. Since baseball was reinstated to the Summer Olympics for the first time since 2008.
The host nation has been striving for its first gold medal in the sport. The country is obsessed with baseball, so winning a medal would mean a lot.
Even though MLB players aren’t participating in these Olympics, Japan’s professional baseball league has temporarily halted play.
In the Pacific League, the Rakuten Golden Eagles are led by manager Astunori Inaba.
Who boasts a roster full of Japanese talent, including former Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka. Thanks for reading our article Japan vs Dominican Republic Baseball Olympics.
