Earlier this week, we offered a preview of the 2017 Asian Baseball Championship, which Japan won today. Entering the semifinals, both Japan and hosts Taiwan were undefeated, but the Samurai beat Taiwan twice, once to clinch home field advantage in the final, and the second for gold.
The victory was Japan’s 19th Asian title, and it has medalled in all 27 events it has entered. Taiwan earned its 12th silver, most of any nation, and Korea claimed its eighth bronze. Japan had 6-of-10 tournament All-Stars, while Korea had three, and Taiwan two, while the victors featured the Best Hitter (Shoji Kitamura) and Pitcher (Guchuan Chuangxi). Taiwan’s Tsung-Hao Wang did no-hit the Philippines.
Among the bottom four countries, it is worth noting that the Philippines’ Juan Lozano led the tournament in home runs with four. In the consolation round, Sri Lanka wrapped up an ascendant 2017 with a victory over Hong Kong in its first-ever appearance at the continent’s championship. We also scouted Karunarathne Chirath, the Lankans’ ace 16-year old pitcher (link).
Final standings:
1. Japan (5-0)
2. Taiwan (4-2)
3. Korea (4-2)
4. Philippines (2-4)
5. Hong Kong (1-3)
6. Pakistan (1-2)
7. Sri Lanka (1-4)
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