Japan’s national baseball team secured a 5-0 victory over Taiwan in their opening game of the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) on November 12 at the Tokyo Dome.
The Japanese pitching staff, led by starter Kanemaru, held the Taiwanese lineup scoreless through seven innings of work. Japan’s offense provided early cushion, beginning in the first inning when Masaki hit a solo home run over the left-center field wall. A triple from Murayama followed, allowing Nishikawa to drive in a second run with an RBI single.
The lead expanded in the third inning when Masaki hit his second solo home run of the game. Despite a ninth-inning rally attempt, Taiwan could not break through against the Japanese defensive rotation.
Japan is scheduled to face the South Korean national team, managed by Choi Won-ho, on November 13 at 7:00 p.m. JST at the Tokyo Dome. South Korea enters the matchup following a 7-8 loss to Australia in their tournament opener.
For South Korea, the game against Japan is critical for their hopes of advancing to the final. The team also faces a must-win situation against Taiwan on November 14 to remain in contention for a place in the championship or third-place match, both of which are scheduled for November 15.
Japan’s starting lineup against Taiwan featured Fujito at first base, Seedeyama at shortstop, Nishikawa in left field, Yamaguchi as the designated hitter, Watanabe at third base, Watarai in right field, Nagakawa in center field, Kojima behind the plate, and Shoji at second base.
Taiwan countered with a lineup consisting of Chang Ren-wei, Tung Tzu-en, Kuo Tien-hsin, Wang Nien-hao, Yang Po-hsiang, Ma Chi-sen, Lin Hung-sen, Sung Chia-hsiang, and Lin Chia-wei, with Lin Chih-wei serving as the starting pitcher.
South Korea has announced that Lotte Giants left-handed pitcher Kim Jin-wook will take the mound as the starting pitcher against Japan. The tournament continues through the final round on November 15.
Related reading
