Unstoppable on a 12-game winning streak against South Korea: "How will they stop Masamune?" Japanese media predict "A three-peat is a given — even MVP is in the cards" [APBC]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The fateful rematch between South Korea and Japan will be held again at 7 p.m. on the 15th. Unlike South Korea, which must break its 12-game losing streak with a sense of solemnity, Japan is relaxed. They are brimming with confidence that they can achieve a three-peat in the tournament.

South Korea and Japan will play in the final of the 2026 Asia Pro Baseball Championship (APBC) at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, at 7 p.m. on the 15th.

Japanese media, which advanced to the final with a dominant three-game winning streak showcasing overwhelming skill, are predicting victory and building anticipation.

The powerful offense that scored 30 runs in three games is Japan's most certain weapon. Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports reported that Masaki Tomoya (SoftBank) and Muneyama Rui (Rakuten) are anchoring the lineup.

Masaki, who hit 28 home runs in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season this year, is recording four home runs, eight RBIs, and eight runs in three games at this tournament. Although Muneyama was unable to play many games this season due to injury, he has delivered Japan's most dominant performance with three home runs and 10 RBIs, including a multi-home run game against South Korea. Together, the two have combined for a .541 batting average (13 hits in 24 at-bats), seven home runs, and 18 RBIs. Within Japan, they are called the "Masamune combination" and are receiving focused attention.

Regarding Masaki's home run ball against Australia, Nikkan Sports noted that it "recorded a ball speed of 181.2 km/h and was sucked into the stands in the blink of an eye," also relaying Masaki's remark: "If you can make people think 'that's scary' through a strong swing, that is the best." Among Japanese players, Masaki is being called a "Sugoi Batter" (great hitter).

Commentator Matsuda Nobuhiro, who appeared on the Japanese news program "Sunday Morning," highlighted Masaki's fierce performance and noted his change in batting form. "Until last year, he had a style of dropping his hands, but starting this season, he improved it to a follow-through where he does not drop either hand to avoid injury," he said. "The influence of the left shoulder has decreased, and because the back hand pushes through, ball speed has increased. Thinking that the outside pitch is too far to hit also led to an improvement in plate discipline. You could call it turning misfortune into good fortune; truly everything has improved," he praised.

Another outlet reported, "Attention is focused on whether Manager Iguchi, who leads a national team centered on young players, will conclude his first international tournament since taking office with a victory." Regarding South Korea, they also showed a non-arrogant stance, stating, "Since it is a rematch against an opponent Japan defeated once in the preliminary round, caution is needed for South Korea's comeback (counterattack)."

Shutting down Japan's offense is expected to be the most important task. Kim Gun-woo (SSG) will make the starting appearance for South Korea. After taking the mound as the third pitcher against Australia in the first game, Kim threw 50 pitches over 2⅔ innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out five batters without allowing a run, leaving a strong impression before resting.

Expectations are growing as to whether South Korea can lay the foundation to break its 12-game losing streak against Japan, following in the footsteps of left-handers like Ku Dae-sung and Kim Kwang-hyun (SSG) who once subdued Japan.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original