Triple Crown winner Munetaka Murakami hit one of the three home runs belted by Japan s World Baseball Classic team in its 5-4 win over the Nippon Ham Fighters in an exhibition game on Nov. 5.
SAPPORO Although mired in a losing season, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters have been crazy like a fox this season, starting with the hiring of the team’s colorful manager,
Former Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Cody Ponce, in his first season with the Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan s Pacific League, becomes the first imported pitcher to throw a no-hit shutout in Japan in 16 years.