Taiwan’s national baseball team is preparing for a highly anticipated showdown with Japan in the World Baseball Classic on March 6, with the potential of facing Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace Shohei Yamamoto in the tournament opener.
Taiwanese manager Jizhong Zeng has emphasized the importance of his players focusing on their own performance and embracing the pressure of facing a formidable opponent. “I hope the players will return to their original selves and just do what they demand to do,” Zeng said, according to reports.
Yamamoto, who was the MVP of the recent World Series, is expected to be Japan’s starting pitcher for the game. Zeng acknowledged Yamamoto’s skill, stating, “He is a highly strong pitcher, no matter if it’s in Japan or the major leagues. We need to think about how to prepare ourselves, our strategies, and our rhythm, and use scouting to respond.”
Zeng stressed the need for his team to accept the challenge. “This pressure must be embraced and endured. We believe there is still an opportunity to compete positively against him,” he added. He urged players to stick to their game plan and avoid overthinking, believing that hesitation can hinder performance.
The team is set to begin their journey in the Classic on February 28, with Zeng calling on his players to embrace a sense of mission. This matchup is crucial as both teams vie for advancement in the tournament.
Recent reports suggest that Japan may opt to avoid pitching Yamamoto against Taiwan, but Zeng responded to the speculation with a direct answer, though details were not immediately available.
The potential for Yamamoto to pitch against Taiwan has been a frequent topic of discussion, but Zeng remains focused on his team’s preparation. He has already finalized the starting lineup order, according to reports.
