Pool play has come to an end in the Premier12. The United States, Venezuela, Chinese Taipei, and Japan are set to take on each other in Super Round action starting on Nov. 20 in Tokyo.
Before that action begins this week, here is a look back at the top five Premier12 players from pool play.
Alonso Gaitan led the charge for Mexico’s lineup throughout their time in pool A. He had a .526 batting average and was one of four hitters in all Premier12 with double-digit hits. His near .600 on-base percentage made him very dangerous at the plate.
🇲🇽💥 Alonso Gaitan with the homer to put Mexico in front! #Premier12 || @Premier12 pic.twitter.com/8MzSbJj5zb
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) November 12, 2024
His biggest game came against Panama on Nov. 11. He went two for four at the plate and had a home run. All in all, he was a major part of the two wins Mexico got.
Despite Cuba only getting one win in Premier12, Yera Yoennis was their standout player during their time playing in Asia.
He pitched ten innings, tied for the most out of all pitchers in the tournament, and had a low 1.80 ERA in his two starts.
His best start came against the Dominican Republic in Cuba’s first game. He went six innings, striking out five batters. He also gave up just three hits during the 20 at-bats he pitched in. Those three hits were the only base runners he allowed.
🇨🇺⚾ En el deporte hay riesgos que hay que correr. Le dieron la responsabilidad al zurdo Yoennis Yera y cumplió con creces en el debut de #Cuba en el torneo #Premier12. Ahora hay que batear para ganarle a República Dominicana.
➡️ Yera: 6.0 INN, 3 H, 0 C, 5 SO, 0 BB. pic.twitter.com/nZGtbuBrVy— Fidel Cruz Pérez (@FidelCruzPrez1) November 13, 2024
Shota Morishita has left his mark on Japan’s undefeated stretch so far in Premier12 play. Thus far, he has batted .571 with an OPS of 1.500+.
Overall, Morishita is the leader in batting on the tournament’s sole undefeated team.
He had a home run in Japan’s game against Korea, going two for four with two RBIs. During Japan’s final pool B game, he also had a perfect three-for-three game at the plate against the Dominican Republic.
🇯🇵💪 Shota Morishita, ladies and gents! #Premier12 || @Premier12 pic.twitter.com/7Q9zaKo95W
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) November 15, 2024
Venezuela’s run to the super round is not only due to some big-time offense but also partly due to starting pitcher Ricardo Pinto.
In two starts, he has two wins with eight total strikeouts among the two games. He also gave up just three hits in each matchup while going five innings in both games.
Pinto was very stingy against the Netherlands, allowing no walks in that game. He has made the case to be the best pitcher in Premier122 thus far. His efforts were crucial in Venezuela being the first team to earn a super-round bid.
Big play after big play has been the story for Matt Shaw in Premier12. He has been putting on a show both at the plate and in the field, making him a clear choice to be the best player in the tournament thus far.
Shaw has a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, including multiple diving stops for outs over at third base. The United States have a safe bet heading into the super round at the hot corner.
At the plate, he has been just as good, if not better. His crazy .576 batting average is paired with an on-base percentage over .600, slugging over 1.000, and OPS over 1.600. In 11 hits, he has 12 RBI.
Shaw has three multi-hit games, including a four-hit performance against the Netherlands, with 7 RBI and a home run.
THREE-RUN, RUN-RULE, WALK-OFF BOMB!
MATT SHAW IS FROM ANOTHER PLANET!#Premier12 pic.twitter.com/HbplDV0eoI
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) November 11, 2024
The first Super Round game for Premier12 is Wednesday, Nov. 20. Venezuela will play Chinese Taipei in the Tokyo Dome. The first pitch is scheduled for 10 p.m. E.T.
