Samurai’s Koki Kitayama is very satisfied with the popularity of the “freshly made tea pose.” “There’s so much good tea. I’m full from drinking too much.” He pitched and shut out the first inning | Pacific League

Samurai’s Koki Kitayama is very satisfied with the popularity of the “freshly made tea pose” “There’s lots of good tea. I drank too much and my stomach is full”

Sports Hochi

March 6, 2026 22:58

WBC First Round Group C Taiwan 0-13 Japan = 7th innings called = (6th, Tokyo Dome)

Samurai Japan’s 4th Koki Kitayama pitcher (Nippon-Ham) pitched 1 hit 1 strike out runs in the first inning. “I was able to pitch a lot of fun while throwing,” he said, enjoying the atmosphere.

He took the mound as the 4th in the 6th inning with a 13-run lead. In the leadoff hitter, he was hit by a right-handed hit, which was the first hit of the Taiwanese team, and allowed him to get on base, but he did not allow a run with a struck out swing, two grounders, and two ground balls.

Kitayama is also the creator of the “freshly made tea pose.” It has become popular within the team, with Ohtani demonstrating it after hitting bases loaded slam in the second inning when both teams were scoreless. Regarding the pose, Kitayama commented, “I was watching from the bench before going to the bullpen, and as someone who thought about it, I feel a bit relieved. I was able to stir up a lot of excitement on the diamond today, so I had plenty of good tea. I drank too much and my stomach was full, but I’m happy, and I hope to continue to liven up the game, including my pitching and celebrations.” He seemed pleased with his “two-way” performance.