Soya Kokubo delivered a standout performance at Edgar Renteria Stadium, with two crucial defensive plays that clinched the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2024 for Japan. Following the Closing Ceremony, Kokubo expressed his joy, saying, “I’m very happy. It’s amazing to be a World Champion. It was a close game, which is why defense was so important for us.”
Japan edged out Puerto Rico 7-6 in a thrilling final to win their third world title in the U-15 category. Kokubo’s exceptional defensive plays were pivotal in Japan’s victory, marking their first world title in this age group in 34 years.
Japan has now won three U-15 World Titles and secured six medals overall. The country holds the current titles for the WBSC U-15, U-18, U-23, and Women’s Baseball World Cups, as well as Premier12 and World Baseball Classic trophies, plus the gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Attention now shifts to the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, scheduled for September 6-15 in Shaoxing, China. Fans will be watching to see if Japan, ranked No. 1 in the world, can extend their winning streak.
Puerto Rico, aiming to add the U-15 Baseball World Cup title to their sole previous trophy—the 1951 WBSC Baseball World Cup in Mexico City—secured their first medal in this age group in just their second tournament participation.
Kokubo’s performance included a remarkable play in the top of the sixth inning, where he threw out Joseph Mendez at home plate with a perfect throw, preventing Puerto Rico from leveling the game. “It was raining at that moment, so I knew I had to secure the ball and make a strong throw,” Kokubo said.
In the next inning, Kokubo made an impressive sliding catch in the left center field gap, preventing a potential tying run. “My only thought was, ‘I have to catch the ball; I’d be devastated if I missed it!’” Kokubo recalled with a smile.
