World Baseball Classic

World Baseball Classic

Combined photo shows South Korea's Kim Ha Seong hitting home runs in the second (left) and seventh (right) innings in a World Baseball Classic Pool B game against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 12, 2023.

World Baseball Classic

World Baseball Classic

Combined photo shows South Korea's Kim Ha Seong after hitting home runs in the second (top) and seventh (bottom) innings in a World Baseball Classic Pool B game against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 12, 2023.

Baseball: AL wins All-Star Game

Baseball: AL wins All-Star Game

MIAMI, United States, July 12 Kyodo - Nelson Cruz (R standing) of the Seattle Mariners and home plate umpire Joe West pose for a photo taken by St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina before stepping up to the plate in the sixth inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park in Miami on July 11, 2017. The American League won 2-1 in 10 innings.

Baseball: Kishi successful in belated Rakuten debut

Baseball: Kishi successful in belated Rakuten debut

CHIBA, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - Takayuki Kishi of the Rakuten Eagles pitches against the Lotte Marines at Zozo Marine Stadium in Chiba, east of Tokyo, on April 9, 2017. In his season debut, Kishi allowed a run in six innings as Rakuten claimed a 12-4 victory.

Iwakuma throws 3 scoreless innings for Mariners

Iwakuma throws 3 scoreless innings for Mariners

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, March 12 Kyodo - Hisashi Iwakuma pitches three scoreless innings in the Seattle Mariners' 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants in a spring training game in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 11, 2016.

Japan beats Puerto Rico in Premier 12 quarterfinals

Japan beats Puerto Rico in Premier 12 quarterfinals

TAIPEI, Nov. 16 Kyodo - Japan pitcher Kenta Maeda hurls during his team's 9-3 win against Puerto Rico in the Premier 12 quarterfinals in Taiyoan, Taiwan, on Nov. 16, 2015. Maeda threw seven scoreless innings.

Tanaka makes spring debut with 2 perfect innings

Tanaka makes spring debut with 2 perfect innings

TAMPA, United States, March 12 Kyodo - New York Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka pitches during a spring training game against the Atlanta Braves in Tampa, the United States, on March 12, 2015. Tanaka worked two perfect innings in his spring debut.

MLB people commend Hiroshima hurler Maeda

MLB people commend Hiroshima hurler Maeda

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda throws a pitch at Kyocera Dome in Osaka, western Japan, on Nov. 12, 2014, in the first in a series of games between Japanese and U.S. professional baseball players. Maeda pitched five shutout innings to lead Samurai Japan to a 2-0 win over the Major League Baseball All-Sar team, winning acclaim from the MLB people concerned.

Samurai Japan beat MLB stars 2-0

Samurai Japan beat MLB stars 2-0

OSAKA, Japan - Samurai Japan starter Kenta Maeda pitched five shutout innings against a team of major league stars at Kyocera Dome in the western Japan city of Osaka on Nov. 12, 2014. Samurai Japan won 2-0.

Samurai Japan beat MLB stars 2-0

Samurai Japan beat MLB stars 2-0

OSAKA, Japan - Samurai Japan starter Kenta Maeda pitched five shutout innings against a team of major league stars at Kyocera Dome in the western Japan city of Osaka on Nov. 12, 2014. Samurai Japan won 2-0.

Aoki saves best for last as Royals advance in 12 innings

Aoki saves best for last as Royals advance in 12 innings

KANSAS CITY, United States - The Kansas City Royals' Norichika Aoki hits a ninth-inning sacrifice fly on Sept. 30, 2014, in Kansas City, the United States. The Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 9-8 in 12 innings and advanced to the American League playoffs.

Aoki saves best for last as Royals advance in 12 innings

Aoki saves best for last as Royals advance in 12 innings

KANSAS CITY, United States - The Kansas City Royals' Norichika Aoki (C) celebrates after his team advanced to the American League playoffs by beating the Oakland Athletics 9-8 in 12 innings on Sept. 30, 2014, in Kansas City, the United States.

Yankees' Kuroda pitches against Detroit Tigers

Yankees' Kuroda pitches against Detroit Tigers

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda of Japan reacts after allowing a run-tying RBI single to the Detroit Tigers' Alex Avila in the seventh inning on Aug. 5, 2014, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Yankees lost 4-3 in 12 innings.

Yankees' Kuroda pitches against Detroit Tigers

Yankees' Kuroda pitches against Detroit Tigers

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda of Japan pitches against the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 5, 2014, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Kuroda worked seven solid innings, but the Yankees lost 4-3 in 12 innings.

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

WASHINGTON, United States - Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish starts in a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on June 1, 2014. Darvish allowed five hits and struck out a season-high 12 batters in eight shutout innings. The Rangers won 2-0.

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

WASHINGTON, United States - Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish starts in a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on June 1, 2014. Darvish allowed five hits and struck out a season-high 12 batters in eight shutout innings. The Rangers won 2-0.

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

WASHINGTON, United States - Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish starts in a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on June 1, 2014. Darvish allowed five hits and struck out a season-high 12 batters in eight shutout innings. The Rangers won 2-0.

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

WASHINGTON, United States - Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish starts in a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on June 1, 2014. Darvish allowed five hits and struck out a season-high 12 batters in eight shutout innings. The Rangers won 2-0.

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

Darvish in Rangers' victory against Nationals

WASHINGTON, United States - Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish starts in a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on June 1, 2014. Darvish allowed five hits and struck out a season-high 12 batters in eight shutout innings. The Rangers won 2-0.

Yankees' Kuroda starts against Mets

Yankees' Kuroda starts against Mets

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitches during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium in New York on May 12, 2014. Kuroda allowed four runs in six innings. The Mets won 9-7.

Yankees' Kuroda starts against Mets

Yankees' Kuroda starts against Mets

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitches during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium in New York on May 12, 2014. Kuroda allowed four runs in six innings. The Mets won 9-7.

Yankees' Kuroda starts against Mets

Yankees' Kuroda starts against Mets

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitches during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium in New York on May 12, 2014. Kuroda allowed four runs in six innings. The Mets won 9-7.

Kuroda wins 2nd game of season

Kuroda wins 2nd game of season

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees pitcher Hiroki Kuroda starts in a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in New York on April 12, 2014. He labored through six-plus innings but still picked up his second win of the season in the Yankees' 7-4 victory.

Kuroda wins 2nd game of season

Kuroda wins 2nd game of season

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees pitcher Hiroki Kuroda starts in a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in New York on April 12, 2014. He labored through six-plus innings but still picked up his second win of the season in the Yankees' 7-4 victory.

Yankees beat Angels

Yankees beat Angels

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitches against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 12, 2013. Kuroda pitched eight shutout innings in the Yankees' 2-1 win.

Yankees beat Angels

Yankees beat Angels

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitches against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 12, 2013. Kuroda pitched eight shutout innings in the Yankees' 2-1 win.

Yankees beat Angels

Yankees beat Angels

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda pitches against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 12, 2013. Kuroda pitched eight shutout innings in the Yankees' 2-1 win.

Jeter records 200th postseason hit

Jeter records 200th postseason hit

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter hits a single, his 200th postseason hit, during the second inning of the American League Championship Series opener against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium in New York on Oct. 13, 2012. Jeter fractured his left ankle while playing shortstop in the 12th inning. The Tigers won 6-4 in 12 innings.

Jeter injured in ALCS opener

Jeter injured in ALCS opener

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter (L) fractures his left ankle while playing shortstop in the 12th inning of the American League Championship Series opener against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium in New York on Oct. 13, 2012. The Tigers won 6-4 in 12 innings.

Ibanez hits two-run homer in ALCS opener

Ibanez hits two-run homer in ALCS opener

NEW YORK, United States - Raul Ibanez of the New York Yankees belts a two-run homer during the ninth inning of the American League Championship Series opener against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium in New York on Oct. 13, 2012. The Tigers won 6-4 in 12 innings.

Ichiro homers in ALCS opener

Ichiro homers in ALCS opener

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees outfielder Ichiro Suzuki belts a two-run homer against pitcher Jose Valverde (46) of the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning of the American League Championship Series opener at Yankee Stadium in New York on Oct. 13, 2012. The Tigers won 6-4 in 12 innings.

Kuroda goes 8 strong as Yankees win

Kuroda goes 8 strong as Yankees win

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees right-hander Hiroki Kuroda pitches in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium in New York on Oct. 10, 2012. Kuroda allowed two runs in 8-1/3 innings. The Yankees won 3-2 in 12 innings, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

Kuroda goes 8 strong as Yankees win

Kuroda goes 8 strong as Yankees win

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees right-hander Hiroki Kuroda pitches in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium in New York on Oct. 10, 2012. Kuroda allowed two runs in 8-1/3 innings. The Yankees won 3-2 in 12 innings, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

"Iron Man" Kanemoto to retire

"Iron Man" Kanemoto to retire

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Hanshin Tigers outfielder Tomoaki Kanemoto gives a press conference in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. Kanemoto, who once played 13,686 consecutive innings, announced that he would retire at the end of the current season.

A's vs. Hanshin

A's vs. Hanshin

TOKYO, Japan - Randy Messenger of the Hanshin Tigers pitches in an exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 26, 2012. The former Seattle Mariner allowed four runs over five innings in his team's 12-6 victory.

Brewers' Saito in loss vs Cards

Brewers' Saito in loss vs Cards

MILWAUKEE, United States - Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito of the Milwaukee Brewers is shown in action against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Oct. 16, 2011. Saito, who replaced Kameron Loe in the sixth inning, threw two scoreless innings in a 12-6 loss to the Cardinals. St. Louis advanced to the World Series to face the Texas Rangers after winning the NLCS 4-2.

Brewers' Saito in loss vs Cards

Brewers' Saito in loss vs Cards

MILWAUKEE, United States - Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito of the Milwaukee Brewers strikes out St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols in the sixth inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Oct. 16, 2011. Saito, who replaced Kameron Loe in the sixth inning, threw two scoreless innings in a 12-6 loss to the Cardinals. St. Louis advanced to the World Series to face the Texas Rangers after winning the NLCS 4-2.

Mariners' Ichiro vs. Indians

Mariners' Ichiro vs. Indians

CLEVELAND, United States - Seattle Mariners leadoff man Ichiro Suzuki rounds first base after hitting a run-scoring double down the left-field line in the third inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 19, 2011. Ichiro went 2-for-5 with an RBI in a 12-6 victory for the Mariners. The game was shortened to seven innings by rain.

Mariners' Ichiro vs. Indians

Mariners' Ichiro vs. Indians

CLEVELAND, United States - Seattle Mariners leadoff man Ichiro Suzuki hits a run-scoring double down the left-field line in the third inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 19, 2011. Ichiro went 2-for-5 with an RBI in a 12-6 victory for the Mariners. The game was shortened to seven innings by rain.

Mariners' Ichiro vs. Indians

Mariners' Ichiro vs. Indians

CLEVELAND, United States - Seattle Mariners leadoff man Ichiro Suzuki singles to right in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 19, 2011. Ichiro went 2-for-5 with an RBI in a 12-6 victory for the Mariners. The game was shortened to seven innings by rain.

Halladay starts for NL on All-Star stage

Halladay starts for NL on All-Star stage

PHOENIX, United States - Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies starts for the National League in Major League Baseball's 82nd All-Star game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 12, 2011. Halladay pitched two scoreless and hitless innings.

Halladay starts for NL on All-Star stage

Halladay starts for NL on All-Star stage

PHOENIX, United States - Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies starts for the National League in Major League Baseball's 82nd All-Star game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 12, 2011. Halladay pitched two scoreless and hitless innings.

'Knuckle Princess' starts 2nd game

'Knuckle Princess' starts 2nd game

CHICO, United States - Eri Yoshida, a knuckleball pitcher from Japan with the U.S. independent league club Chico Outlaws, speaks to reporters in Chico, California, on June 12, 2010. She contributed to the team's victory over the Yuma Scorpions 8-4 as the starter, giving up two runs and four hits in four innings.

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE, United States - New York Mets starter Hisanori Takahashi pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 12, 2010. Takahashi allowed six hits and one run in seven innings and earned his fifth win of the season as the Mets won 3-1.

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE, United States - New York Mets starter Hisanori Takahashi relaxes in the dugout after pitching seven innings against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 12, 2010. Takahashi allowed six hits and one run and earned his fifth win of this season as the Mets won 3-1.

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE, United States - New York Mets starter Hisanori Takahashi reacts after pitching seven innings against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 12, 2010. Takahashi allowed six hits and one run and earned his fifth win of this season as the Mets won 3-1.

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE, United States - New York Mets starter Hisanori Takahashi pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 12, 2010. Takahashi allowed six hits and one run in seven innings and earned his fifth win of the season as the Mets won 3-1.

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

N.Y. Mets' Takahashi earns 5th win against Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE, United States - New York Mets starter Hisanori Takahashi pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 12, 2010. Takahashi allowed six hits and one run in seven innings and earned his fifth win of the season as the Mets won 3-1.

Darvish shines against Dragons

Darvish shines against Dragons

SAPPORO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters starter Yu Darvish throws the ball during a game against the Chunichi Dragons on June 12, 2010, at Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido. Darvish picked up a win with seven shutout innings as the team routed the Dragons 9-0.

Kuroda gets 4th win as Dodgers top D'Backs

Kuroda gets 4th win as Dodgers top D'Backs

PHOENIX, United States - Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda starts in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on May 12, 2010. Kuroda threw 7-1/3 effective innings for his fourth win of the season in the Dodgers' 6-3 victory over the Diamondbacks.