MLB analyst Chris Russo believes Shohei Ohtani versus Mike Trout finish at World Baseball Classic is overhyped and not an epic moment
The stage was set for baseball fans around the globe. Shohei Ohtani faced Mike Trout in the bottom of the ninth of the World Baseball Classic championship game.
It was fitting that the tournament came down to the two Los Angeles Angels teammates. The two superstars have combined for four MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, two Rookie of the Year awards and 10 Silver Sluggers.
With a one-run game hanging in the balance, Ohtani went with an 87 mph slider. With the full count, it was a risk that paid off. Team Japan defeated Team USA 3-2 and claimed a record third WBC title.
The Ohtani-Trout strikeout will go down as one of the greatest in baseball history. Or will it? Some weren't convinced that Ohtani deserved the praise he was getting. MLB analyst Chris "Mad Dog" Russo wasn't impressed:
"Did you see the headlines today? 'Epic battle, incredible moment.' Why, because they are teammates? Trout does nothing but strike out."
Russo said there were several other more dramatic moments in MLB history. He provided the example of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Kirk Gibson hitting a walk-off home run against the Oakland Athletics' Dennis Eckersley in 1988.
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Russo questioned whether this at-bat will go down as "epic."
Trout has been one of MLB's most consistent hitters but has a history of striking out. He struck out 184 times in 2014 and followed that with 158 whiffs in 2015 and 137 in 2016.
Last season with the Los Angeles Angels, Trout struck out 139 times in 438 at-bats.
Shohei Ohtani closed out the ninth inning to claim a record third WBC title for Team Japan
Shohei Ohtani was the standout player in the WBC. Over seven games, he recorded one home run, eight RBIs, 10 hits, nine runs, eight walks and a stolen base.
The two-way superstar led by example on and off the field. He continues to thrive despite difficult circumstances and has cemented his place as one of baseball's stars.
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Japan is the only nation to win more than one WBC. It won the inaugural tournament in 2006 and defeated South Korea in 2009.
2023 may be the most memorable of all its championships. Ohtani led the way. His final pitch versus Mike Trout will be etched in baseball history for decades to come.