Japan is the champion of the 2023 World Baseball Classic! The Japanese national team defeated the United States by the narrowest of margins (3-2) at LoanDepot Park in Miami. The American team fell to its rival and could not retain the title it won in the last edition of the championship.
Undefeated Team Japan secures its 3rd #WorldBaseballClassic title! pic.twitter.com/ehM62luyw9
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 22, 2023
Japan had an immaculate tournament. No one was able to defeat the team led by Shohei Ohtani, one of the best players in the world.
The game began with a solo home run by Trea Turner to put the USA ahead. It was the American player's fifth home run of the tournament, equaling the WBC record.
But Japan responded quickly. Munetaka Murakami evened the score with a home run (1-1) and, in the same inning, Lars Nootbar added a run to put the Japanese ahead 2-1.
In the fourth inning, Japan extended its lead thanks to a home run by Kazuma Okamoto (3-1). The USA got on the scoreboard in the penultimate inning thanks to a spectacular home run by Kyle Schwarber (3-2). There was excitement until the end.
The WBC named Ohtani as MVP of the tournament after leading an undefeated Japan both at the plate and on the mound. In addition to Ohtani, Masataka Yoshida, Mike Trout and Trea Turner were the finalists named to the All-WBC team.
The 2023 All-World Baseball Classic Team! pic.twitter.com/haN7F85ebR
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 22, 2023
With seven wins in seven games, Japan has now won its third title. The USA ended its World Baseball Classic with a record of five wins and two losses.
