Shohei Ohtani shares his emotions after Team Japan's unbelievable WBC semifinal comeback
Shohei Ohtani has become something of a folk-legend in his homeland of Japan. Thanks to the Los Angeles Angels star, his country has the chance to win their third World Baseball Classic title.
Team Japan squared off against Team Mexico on March 21 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. It was the last semifinal game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and the winner would go on to face Team USA in the final.
Prior to the game, Ohtani was seen cranking some seriously powerfully-hit balls into the stands with effortless consistency. USA Today writer Bob Nightengale asked the 28-year old why he was out for batting practice before the game when he normally warms up in the clubhouse. Ohtani had a brilliant response:
“Team Mexico was watching. So, I wanted to send a little message."
The Mexicans battled hard to take a commanding 3-0 lead by the seventh inning. It was then that Shohei Ohtani, trying desperately to get something going for his team, drew a walk ahead of teammate Masataka Yoshida.
Yoshida, who signed with the Boston Red Sox over the offseason, proceeded to slam a three-run shot into the scores of ecstatic fans in right field at LoanDepot Park. After Yoshida's jack, the game was tied 3-3.
SHOHEI OHTANI LEADOFF DOUBLE FOR TEAM JAPAN AND HE IS PUMPED!! 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
https://t.co/HlYUJkKuJA
"SHOHEI OHTANI LEADOFF DOUBLE FOR TEAM JAPAN AND HE IS PUMPED!!" - Ben Verlander
In the ninth inning, when Japan were down again by a score of 5-4, it was Shohei Ohtani who got things started again. Ohtani reached second on an electric hit into the gap. Yoshida walked after him, bringing up Munetaka Murakami.
Murakami wasted no time in hitting Mexican closer Giovanny Gallegos, a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Ohtani and Yoshida scored to complete an astounding 6-5 victory for their country.
Team Japan remains undefeated in the 2023 #WorldBaseballClassic! https://t.co/Jb486WdPks
"Team Japan remains undefeated in the 2023 #WorldBaseballClassic" - World Baseball Classic
As such, Shohei Ohtani now has to face Team USA, captained by his Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout on March 21. If successful, Japan will be awarded their third World Baseball Classic title, and first since 2009.
Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan has the weight of the world on their shoulders
If there are still doubts among MLB fans that the Japanese NPB is virtually on-par with the MLB, they need look no further than Japan's performance this tournament.
The roster is made up almost entirely of NPB players and is undefeated in the tournament. The final will provide fans with a good glimpse of which league holds the balance of skill, as well as a stage like no other for the brightest lights to shine.
It seems the whole world outside of the US wants Japan to win this one, and it will be interesting to see if they do.