Tetsuto

Yamada

Japan has defeated Mexico and the Dominican Republic to remain unbeaten in the opening round of the Tokyo Olympics. Yamada cranked a three-run homer in the top of the fourth inning to give Japan a commanding 5-1 lead at the time. He also added an RBI single to center field in the eighth inning. Every baseball game at the Tokyo Olympics can be streamed LIVE on NBCOlympics.com and on the NBC Sports App.

Yamada, 28, is arguably the best position player in Japan, having compiled four 30-30 seasons. There has been some chatter that he might consider a move to Major League Baseball in 2021, and there surely would be plenty of interest if that happens. However, this report would seem to suggest he’s likely to stay put.

Yamada hit a solo homer in the first inning to give Japan the early lead, but it was a back-and-forth game. Japan pulled away for good in the eighth inning after Seiichi Uchikawa hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly and Yamada slugged his second homer of the game, a two-run shot. Japan is now 2-0 and in great position in Pool E while Cuba is 0-2. Japan will play Team Israel next on Wednesday morning while Cuba will attempt to avoid elimination against Team Netherlands on Tuesday night.