To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
San Diego Padres ace Yu Darvish, lower left, and other players watch as a pitch hit by Tokyo Yakult Swallows slugger Munetaka Murakami sails over the fence during live-situation batting practice for the Japan national team, known as Samurai Japan, on Tuesday in Miyazaki in preparation for next month’s World Baseball Classic. “It’s a little sad to have a public execution in a place like this,” joked Darvish of his first encounter with Murakami, who last season belted 56 home runs and won the Central League batting triple crown. A crowd of 18,356 gave Darvish a loud ovation as he took the mound, then cheered again when Murakami blasted a two-seam fastball over the fence.
