William Escala of Czech Republic reacts after he was hit by pitcher Roki Sasaki of Japan while batting during their Pool B game at the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome, Japan, Saturday, March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
William Escala was hit by a pitch from Japan’s Roki Sasaki on Saturday. He hit the dirt writhing in pain and holding his knee. Sasaki, one of the top prospects in Japan, hit Escala with a 100-mph fastball. He threw 21 pitches at 100 mph or more.
Escala said afterward the entire experience was all worth it and Sasaki found a unique way to apologize.
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Roki Sasaki of Japan pitches during their Pool B game against the Czech Republic at the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome, Japan, Saturday, March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
"He gave me some goodies, and a bunch of different candies and stuff like that," he said. "And then I asked him if he could sign the ball as a memory for me. Something I will keep. Very cool. Something I’ll cherish and never forget."
Japan’s team Twitter account showed a pitcher of the two players. Escala was holding a giant bag of candy.
"That was a wow moment," Escala’s teammate Petr Zyma told MLB.com. "The Japanese culture never stops to amaze me each day we are here. They once again took it to another level as a superstar that Roki is; he took his time to come to the bus, meet Escala, send us a bunch of candy and sign a ball for Willie. It was a huge sign of respect."
William Escala of Czech Republic reacts after he was hit by pitcher Roki Sasaki of Japan while batting during their Pool B game at the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome, Japan, Saturday, March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Pool play is nearly finished and Japan so far is the lone team to finish their first four games undefeated. Pool C and Pool D still need to play out.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.