Hayato Sakamoto hit a walk-off single in the ninth to give Japan a 4-3 win over the Dominican Republic in the opening game of the 2021 Olympics.
Japan entered the ninth down 3-1, but Sakamoto was able to single home the game-winner to complete their rally in front of the home crowd. All three runs came off Cristopher Mercedes, who is operating as the closer for the Dominican Republic during these games. Japan is considered one of the favorites to win the event, and this would have been a pretty significant upset. Japan will face Mexico next, with the Dominican Republic scheduled to face Israel.
