(Miami) Shohei Ohtani came out of the bullpen and knocked out Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout to win the World Baseball Classic final against the United States 3-2 on Tuesday night.
This is the first World Classic title for the Japanese.
Ohtani, who has captivated fans on two continents, hit a single in the seventh inning as the designated hitter, then walked along the left-field line to Japan’s bullpen to warm up before climbing the mound.
He walked Jeff McNeil before making Mookie Betts hit a double play.
Trout, the captain of the United States and three-time MVP, ended the game by being eliminated.
Ohtani hit . 435 with a home run, four doubles, eight RBIs and 10 walks in the contest when Japan joined the Dominican Republic in 2013 to become the only undefeated World Baseball Classic champions.
