Japan and Australia are set to clash in the World Baseball Classic after both teams started the tournament undefeated.
Japan’s Dominance and Australia’s Surprise
Japan, a three-time World Baseball Classic champion, has lived up to expectations by winning its first two games. The team is loaded with Major League talent and some of the best young players in Nippon Professional Baseball. Many expected Japan to sweep through its home group stage at Tokyo Dome.
Japan has already clinched a spot in the next round. Their two victories are over Chinese Taipei and Korea, so they own a tiebreaker over the other two teams besides Australia who could finish 2-2.
Australia, on the other hand, has surprised many by advancing beyond the pool group for the first time in 2023. They secured victories over Chinese Taipei and Czechia.
What’s at Stake
A victory for Australia against Japan would be one of the greatest upsets in World Baseball Classic history. If it beats Japan, Australia would earn the top seed in the pool and advance to the next round.
If Japan wins, Australia could still advance by beating Korea. If Australia loses to Japan and Korea, however, then Australia, Korea and Chinese Taipei would all be 2-2 and a tiebreaker would award the second seed in Pool C.
Pitching Matchup
Connor MacDonald is scheduled to start for Australia. Tomoyuki Sugano will take the mound for Japan.
MacDonald made his debut in the Australian Baseball League as a position player when he was just 16 years old in 2012-13. He spent three winters there before signing with the Houston Astros. He reached Single-A before reinventing himself as a pitcher and converting to the position full-time just three years ago. Though he posted a 6.23 ERA in the league this past winter in 43 1/3 innings, he has the ability to make batters whiff. His 47 K’s ranked third in the ABL.
Manager’s Perspective
Dave Nilsson, Australia’s manager, spoke about the importance of the World Baseball Classic for smaller nations. “[The World Baseball Classic] gives the smaller nations an opportunity to grow and gives them a real vehicle where they can improve,” Nilsson said. “This tournament is so important to the smaller nations. I feel like we as a nation have transitioned away from that now. We have really high expectations and we don’t consider ourselves a second-tier nation. We kind of feel we’re right in the mix of it now.”
Match Details
- When and where: Sunday, 6 a.m. ET at the Tokyo Dome (7 p.m., local time)
- How to watch: The game is available on FS1 in the United States and streaming on Netflix in Japan.
- How to listen: There is a free English-language audio stream available for every game.
The clash between Japan and Australia promises to be a compelling contest.