Shohei Ohtani gave Japanese fans a performance to remember at the Tokyo Dome. Ohtani’s grand slam in the second inning helped Japan to a 13-0 victory over Taiwan in Pool C at the World Baseball Classic.
The game was called after seven innings due to the mercy rule. This rule is in effect at the WBC, calling the game after five innings if a team leads by 15 runs or more, or after seven if the lead is 10 or more.
Japan’s Explosive Second Inning
After a near miss in the first, Japan erupted for 10 runs in the second inning. Japan loaded the bases, then Kenya Wakatsuki fouled out. This brought Ohtani up to the plate for his grand slam to right field off Hao-Chun Cheng.
“I knew it was going to leave the park right away after I hit it,” Ohtani said. “It’s important to score first.”
Japan added six more runs in the inning. The inning lasted 28 minutes, with Ohtani recording his third hit of the game and fifth RBI.
Yamamoto’s Solid Start on the Mound
Yoshinobu Yamamoto started on the mound for Japan. Yamamoto got into trouble in the third, walking two and loading the bases with an error. Shoma Fujihira replaced him, striking out An-Ko Lin to end the threat.
Yamamoto earned the win, striking out three and walking two, while Cheng took the loss.
“This was our first game of the tournament, and to score the first run is always difficult,” Yamamoto said. “But Shohei hit a huge home run to give us the momentum. So I tip my cap to him.”
Ohtani’s Near Cycle
Ohtani led off the fourth and lined out on a leaping catch by first baseman Nien-Ting Wu. He needed a triple for a cycle, and the leaping catch may have prevented it.
Cuba’s Victory Over Panama
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Yoan Moncada and Yoelquis Guibert homered off Logan Allen. Cuba defeated Panama 3-0, winning its WBC opener for the first time since 2013.
Cuba is missing players including Aroldis Chapman, Randy Arozarena and Luis Robert Jr.
Japan is the defending WBC champion and the favourite from Pool C to reach the quarterfinals. They are also a favourite to reach the final in Miami on March 17.