Silva upsets Goro with the comment that Asians aren't tough enough to defeat Venezuela. Meanwhile Team Japan prepares to face Montana, but they are surprised when Sanchez is rolled out instead. Japan finds it to be a slight insult that Venezuela is saving their ace for the Dominican Republic, so they decide they will defeat Venezuela at all costs to get the first needed win to move on to the semi-finals. Toshi is placed in the starting line-up as the Designated Hitter, but when the catcher gets injured Japan is forced to do a double switch, meaning if Goro makes it into the game he can beat Venezuela not only with his pitches but also at the bat.
월드 베이스볼컵 2차 예선 첫 상대 베네수엘라.
개개인의 신체능력이 뛰어난 베네수엘라를 상대로 짜임새 있는 야구로 맞서는 일본.
그런데 주전 포수 도모토가 다치면서 투입된 토시야는 부담감 때문에 제대로 된 플레이를 펼치지 못한다.
