Samurai Japan wins practice match against Lotte ahead of APBC 2026

The Samurai Japan national baseball team secured a 10-4 victory against Lotte in a practice match held at Hinata Sun Marine Stadium in Miyazaki on November 7. The game served as part of the training camp for the upcoming Lagzus Asia Professional Baseball Championship 2026.

Key highlights included the debut of new uniforms supplied by New Balance and the testing of PitchCom electronic signaling devices and the 20-second pitch clock. During the game, a PitchCom transmitter worn by catcher Shion Matsuo was briefly lost after a play, eventually being found on the dugout roof.

Pitcher Yumeto Kanemaru delivered a strong performance, pitching two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. The team's offense was bolstered by home runs from Seiya Watanabe and Shinya Hasegawa. The victory comes as the team prepares for its opening match against Chinese Taipei on November 12 at the Tokyo Dome.