National News Japan euphoric over Classic final win

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Japanese team members made a triumphant return to their country March 22 after winning the inaugural World Baseball Classic title with a 10-6 victory over Cuba in the final in San Diego.

The victory was especially sweet. Japan has traditionally struggled against the Cubans in international play. Moreover, it qualified for the semifinals only after the United States was upset by Mexico, reaching the final by beating South Korea for the first time in three attempts during the tournament.

Interest in Japan's campaign surged as the tournament wore on and the viewer rating hit a high of 56.0 percent during the final, which was broadcast live.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, one of only two major league players on the Japanese roster and in the final, was the chief driving force behind Japan's success. He went 3-for-5 with an RBI in a 6-0 shutout of South Korea in the semis and had two hits in the final including an RBI single in the ninth after Cuba pulled within one run.

Texas Rangers right-hander Akinori Otsuka pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to seal the championship for the Japanese.

"I felt the spirit and smartness of the Japanese players while playing with this team," Suzuki said. "It was a great team and I wish I could play major league games with this team for one season." (Kyodo, AP)

WBC、日本代表が初代王者に

野球の国別対抗戦「ワールド・ベースボール・クラッシック（WBC）」で初代チャンピオンとなった日本代表が22日帰国した。

Shukan ST: March 31, 2006

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