Watch: Shohei Ohtani strikes out Mike Trout to clinch WBC title for Japan
The dream matchup that everybody wanted to see actually happened in the most dramatic way possible.
Shohei Ohtani vs. Mike Trout in the ninth inning to decide the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and it was Ohtani getting the best of his Los Angeles Angels teammate to secure a 3-2 win for Japan over the United States, winning the championship for Japan.
You could not have possibly written up a better script for the moment.
The two best players in baseball, long-time teammates, going against each other in a one-run game with two outs in the ninth inning with a championship on the line.
Ohtani, who only pitched one inning in relief to close out the game, was at his absolute best in the at-bat throwing several 100 MPH fastballs, before finishing the at-bat with a filthy slider that Trout swung right through.
Prior to striking out Trout, Ohtani issued a leadoff walk to Jeff McNeil before getting Mookie Betts to bounce into a double play, setting the stage for the Trout matchup.
Ohtani is the most unique player in baseball and has been one of the league's most dominant left-handed power hitters and starting pitchers over the past two years.
He won the American League MVP two years ago and was the runner-up to New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge a year ago. On Tuesday he added another skill to his resume when he became a shutdown closer.
But that was not the only thing he did on Tuesday.
Earlier in the game he showed off his lightning fast speed on the bases when he legged out an infield single with elite speed after hitting the ball over 114 MPH.
Ohtani hit over .400 with an on-base percentage over .600 in the tournament, hit a home run, and also dominated on the mound. There is nobody like him, and he showed that in this tournament.
Even with the injuries that happened in this tournament, specifically to Edwin Diaz and Jose Altuve, the 2023 World Baseball Classic turned out to be a massive success with record attendance, unmatched enthusiasm from the players and fans, and incredible drama. It had it all.
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