Kensuke Kondo of Samurai became the first hitter in the team to violate the pitch clock in this tournament. Hikaru Sato became the first batter in the team to do so in the send-off game.
Sports Hochi
March 7, 2026 19:37
WBC First Round Group C Japan vs. Korea (7th, Tokyo Dome)
Samurai Japan infielder Kensuke Kondo (Softbank Hawks) became the first hitter on the team to be called for a pitch clock violation in this tournament.
starting line-up started as the second batter and right fielder. Trailing by three Walk in the first inning, Ohtani, the first batter, walked, putting him on base with no outs and a runner on first base. He wasn’t ready to pitch the first pitch of his first at-bat with less than eight seconds left on the clock. He was called for a pitch clock violation, adding one strike to count.
With count at 1-1, he grounded out to second base.
In a send-off game against Softbank Hawks on February 23rd (Sunmarine Miyazaki), Hanshin Tigers infielder Sato (26), who started as the fourth batter and third baseman, was unable to prepare to bat by the time there were eight seconds left in the first inning with one out and runners on first and second, resulting in the team’s first violation of the pitch clock. strike was called.
◆Pitch Clock MLB has implemented this since 2011 with the aim of shortening game time. Under the current rules, pitcher must begin pitch within 15 seconds when there are no runner on base, and within 18 seconds when there are runner on base; if they violate this rule, one ball is added to pitch count. This rule has not been introduced in NPB, but was adopted in the 2024 Premier12, with a 20-second rule only when there are no runner on base. hitter is not ready to bat with less than eight seconds remaining, one strike is added.