We have another thing to love Japan for. Besides sushi, they also play baseball pretty darn well!
“I’ve seen Japan winning, and I just wanted to be part of it,” said Ohtani. “I really appreciate that I was able to have the great experience. As I say, the next generation, the kids who are playing baseball, I was hoping that those people would like to play baseball. That would make me happy.” Quote from the World Baseball Classic’s official website.
Undefeated Japan topped reigning champ USA for its first title since winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and ’09. It’s the only team to clinch multiple championships and improved to 30-8 all-time in the WBC.
You may not be a World Baseball Classic fan, but after the game on Monday night, the thrill of baseball is back!
It was a back-and-forth walk-off win for Japan, winning 6-5 in the 9th inning.
From the official WBC site comes this quote: “Obviously, it’s a big accomplishment to get to the championship series, but there’s a huge difference between getting first and second,” said Shohei Ohtani, who jump started Japan’s ninth-inning rally with a leadoff double. “I’m going to do all I can to get first place.”
The United States is in the finals once again in the World Baseball Classic – beating Cuba on Sunday night 14-2!
USA’s victory was filled with offense, including Trea Turner hitting a pair of home runs in the second and sixth innings. The shortstop became the second player in Team USA history to connect for a multi-home run game, joining Hall of Famer (and USA hitting coach) Ken Griffey Jr..
Check out the highlights we spoke about on WHPC Sports Talk here.
