Strongest Samurai Japan
In March 2023, Japan won their 3rd WBC title under manager Hideki Kuriyama. The roster featured MLB stars Ohtani, Darvish, and Suzuki alongside NPB elite Yamamoto, Kondo, and Yoshida, plus fan favorite Lars Nootbaar.
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Dominant Preliminary Rounds
Japan swept the first round: 8-1 over China, 13-4 over Korea, 10-2 over Czech Republic, 7-1 over Australia, then beat Italy 9-3. Ohtani started 2 games as pitcher while hitting .435. Nootbaar posted a .533 OBP as leadoff.
Semifinal Comeback vs Mexico
The semifinal against Mexico is called the greatest WBC game ever. Trailing 3-5 in the 9th, Ohtani doubled and Yoshida hit a go-ahead 3-run homer for a 6-5 walk-off win. Murakami also delivered a clutch hit.
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Final vs USA - Ohtani vs Trout
In the final, Japan led 3-2 entering the 9th. Ohtani closed, facing Angels teammate Mike Trout as the last batter. On a full count, Ohtani struck out Trout with a slider. Ohtani was named tournament MVP.