Sandoval’s pitching delivery includes crossfire action, and he has a pitch arsenal consisting of a slider, changeup, and fastball. On the other hand, Roki Sasaki is a phenomenal pitcher with a fastball that averages better than 99.5 mph and features 19.8 inches of induced vertical break and 15.4 inches of horizontal break. He also has a splitter/forkball and a pair of breaking balls in his arsenal. Sasaki’s pitching ability projects him to be a No. 2 starter, but he has not yet established himself as a durable workhorse due to his young age. Today’s game is an excellent opportunity to witness Sasaki’s impressive pitching skills, as he gained global attention after throwing the first perfect game in Nippon Professional Baseball in nearly three decades last April.
Live Updates from World Baseball Classic: Japan vs. Mexico Score
Mexico maintains a 3-0 lead against Japan as we enter the fifth inning. Sandoval has thrown 64 pitches, with two on and one out. However, Urquidy is coming in now, hoping to keep it 3-0 Mexico. Two are in scoring position, but with two outs. The top of the order is due up, and two are on with one out in the fifth. Meanwhile, Sasaki’s through two scoreless, and it’s Sandoval’s turn.
How Would Yamamoto’s Game Transfer to MLB?
In a recent article, we discussed how NPB pitchers can handle themselves in MLB. Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, Masahiro Tanaka, Hiroki Kuroda, and many others have proved it. In terms of pitch quality, Yamamoto would fit right in. He has great command of a mid-90s fastball with carry, a swing-and-miss splitter, and a high-spin curveball. However, he would have to prove that his stuff, particularly his splitter, plays the same with the baseball stateside. There’s enough precedent here to be optimistic about his chances. The other concern is his size, as he’s listed at 5-foot-10 with a slight frame. Nevertheless, teams appear to be more favorable to shorter pitchers these days due to the increased popularity of the vertical approach angle concept and the decreased expectations in starter workload. Yamamoto will likely be viewed as a No. 2 starter if and when he comes over.
Matchup Highlights
Sandoval is 25 pitches into the night and has to work around traffic for the first time. He’s not elite, like Sasaki, but he had a very good season in MLB last year. Meanwhile, Sasaki delivers a ball to Arozarena at 101 mph. That’s a 102 mph heater, and his fastball is elite. Yamamoto, on the other hand, will have to prove that his stuff, particularly his splitter, plays the same with the baseball stateside.
With runners on the corners and two out, Murakami is up. There are two down in the frame, and Ohtani is up with one on, one out. Two are on, two out following a bloop single. He beat the shift going the other way. Sandoval returns serve with a scoreless third inning, and it’s still scoreless. It’s right down to an inning-ending double play of his own, and we’re through two scoreless. Two strikeouts to begin his outing, and now he’ll face Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani. We’ll see if Patrick Sandoval can match in his half of the first.
Mexico maintains a 3-0 lead against Japan with the top of the order due up. Two are in scoring position now, but with two outs. Two on with one out in the fifth, and Urquidy is coming in to pitch. Sandoval has thrown 64 pitches with one on and one out in the fifth, hoping to keep it 3-0 Mexico.
Sandoval’s Pitch Arsenal and Deception Profile
Patrick Sandoval’s delivery includes crossfire action, meaning that he throws across his body, adding to his deception profile. His pitch arsenal consists of a mid-80s slider, a low-80s changeup (his best bat-missing pitch), and a low-to-mid-90s fastball.
Roki Sasaki: A Phenomenal Pitcher
Roki Sasaki is a pitcher to watch out for in the upcoming game. He has a phenomenal fastball that averages better than 99.5 mph and features 19.8 inches of induced vertical break and 15.4 inches of horizontal break, making it an unmatched combination. He also has a splitter/forkball and a pair of breaking balls in his arsenal. Sasaki’s pitching ability projects him to be a No. 2 starter, but he has not yet established himself as a durable workhorse due to his young age.
Get Ready for the Game!
The game is about to start in an hour, and it’s an excellent opportunity to witness Sasaki’s impressive pitching skills. He gained global attention after throwing the first perfect game in Nippon Professional Baseball in nearly three decades last April. Be sure not to miss it!
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