Aberdeen, Md. — After a 90 minute rain delay to start the game, Japan captured the 2011 Cal Ripken World Series crown with a 7-0 shutout victory over the Ohio Valley Regional Champions from Southeastern Lexington, Ky. This is the first time Japan has won the title since the Cal Ripken World Series has been held at the Ripken Youth Baseball Academy, which began in 2003.
Daisuke Sowa started things off for Japan early, singling in the first inning, stealing second, and setting up the first run of the game on a ground rule double off of the bat of teammate Kosuke Nagata. Nagata later scored on a passed ball. Ohio Valley was able to shut down Japan’s offense with a double play to end the half inning with a score of 2-0.
Third baseman Austin Dick had the first hit for Ohio Valley with a single in the first inning. Attempting to advance in to scoring position, Dick stole second base but was caught when trying to steal third. Kaelen Covington then hit a sharp ground ball which was handled by the pitcher, Kosuke Morita, for the final out of the inning.
Japan continued to bring in runs throughout the game by being aggressive on the bases. The team finished with eight stolen bases in the game. Taisei Takeoka led the team from Japan with three steals.
Ohio Valley pitcher Zack Bryant came in to relieve starter CJ Bush in the top of the third. Japan’s Daisuke Sowa singled and advanced to second on a balk by Bryant. Sowa stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly, as Japan finished the third inning up 5-0 over Ohio Valley.
Kazuki Sakurai came in to pitch for Japan in the bottom of the third and struck out Ohio Valley’s Parker McCoy and Ben Wilcoxson. Kainen Bibb made contact but was thrown out at first for a quick three up, three down inning.
Both squads held strong defensively, but Sakurai was too much for Ohio Valley to handle. The reliever for Japan held Ohio Valley hitless over three innings. He allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out eight.
Dick lead offensively for Ohio Valley, going one for two, while starting pitcher Bush took the loss for Southeastern Lexington, Ky.