Japan clinches third W.B.C. crown as Ohtani strikes out Trout in thrilling final.
A thrilling tournament ended emphatically with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to give Japan its third W.B.C. crown.
The matchup that many had dreamed about all along — between two of the world’s baseball powerhouses.
Two of its very best players in Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout — is exactly what it came down to.
Ohtani, the two-way phenomenon, was Japan’s designated hitter all game and took the mound in the ninth inning with the chance to close out a title
With the 3-2 win, Japan dethroned the United States on Tuesday at loanDepot Park in Miami and claimed the 2023 World Baseball Classic trophy.
The U.S. won the previous W.B.C. in 2017, while Japan has now won three of the five tournaments held. In the five editions of the W.B.C., Japan has now won three times.