Chiba Lotte Marines ace Roki Sasaki got the start in Samurai Japan's third game in pool play at the World Baseball Classic on Saturday, working into the fourth inning and holding the Czech Republic to one run while racking up eight strikeouts to earn the win in a 10-2 victory.
The native of Rikuzen-Takata, a coastal city in Iwate Prefecture, lost his 37-year-old father and grandparents in the Great East Japan Earthquake on the same March 11 day in 2011. However, with the support of those around him, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional baseball player and has finally taken his first step on the world stage.
"Although the pain and sadness from the loss doesn't easily go away, I was able to devote myself to baseball thanks to the support of so many people. I have nothing but appreciation for them," said Sasaki, pouring out his feelings as he reflected on his life.
