On the 22nd (Korean time), the Japanese WBC national team won the WBC final 3-2 against the United States held at Londipo Park in Miami, Florida, USA, and regained the championship trophy 14 years after the 2009 WBC.

‘Champion’ The player who received the most attention in Japan is by far Ohtani. Ohtani, who occupies a large portion of Japan’s power, doubled as a pitcher in the tournament. As a pitcher, he showed the side of a special pitcher with 2 wins and 1 save and 1.86 earned run average. Even as a hitter, he was active with a batting average of 0.435, 1 home run and 8 RBIs. Thanks to this performance, Ohtani was selected as the tournament MVP as well as the starting pitcher and designated hitter on the 2023 All-WBC team.

Japanese media responded to Ohtani’s surprising move. Japanese media Nikkan Sports reported on the 23rd, “Otani finished the WBC drama with ‘Double Swords’. Japan succeeded in recapturing the world’s No. 1 with the best scenario like a cartoon.” 메이저사이트

The highlight of Ohtani’s WBC journey was pitching in the ninth inning of the final against the United States. Ohtani walked lead hitter Jeff McNeil, but got 2 outs by inducing second baseman Mookie Betts to double play. With one out count left in the championship, Mike Trout, a teammate of the Angels and one of the best hitters on the U.S. national team, entered the plate. As a result, Ohtani struck out Trout on a swing and ended his long WBC journey.

The media explained, “Ohtani fought seriously with Los Angeles Angels colleague Trout, and the result was a strikeout with a swing.”

Regarding the reason for Ohtani’s victory, he said, “The correct answer is ‘Samurai Japan.’ It’s a World Series win,” he said, praising Ohtani.