Mr. Kuroda, who has promised to go all out to boost the inflation rate to 2% in two years, has said bold easing by the central bank is needed, raising expectations for this week's policy-board meeting, the first under his watch.

WSJ: Japanese Stock Rally Shifts To a New Gear

"I was trying to go up and in with a four-seam fastball, " Kuroda said through an interpreter.

WSJ: De La Rosa outduels Kuroda, Rockies beat Yanks 2-0

"I wanted to go up and in to him but I didn't, " Kuroda said through a translator.

NPR: Buchholz, Red Sox Beat Yankees 3-0 In 5? Innings