Ohtani's Grand Slam Powers Japan to 13-0 WBC Victory

Three years after striking out Mike Trout to win the World Baseball Classic championship, Shohei Ohtani reminded the world why he's baseball's brightest star with a grand slam that sparked Japan's stunning 13-0 opening victory.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar smashed a hanging curveball over the right field wall in the second inning at Tokyo Dome on Friday, triggering a record-setting 10-run explosion. Ohtani finished the game with five RBIs, a double, and two singles as Japan dominated Chinese Taipei in front of 42,314 roaring fans.

"I thought it might land as an out, so above all, I really wanted to get the first run on the board," Ohtani told reporters with characteristic humility after the demolition.

So much has changed for Ohtani since that magical 2023 championship run. He's now a husband and father, boasts two World Series rings with the Dodgers, and has collected three more MVP awards. But his love for representing Japan clearly burns as bright as ever.

This year, Ohtani is focusing solely on hitting to save his pitching arm for the Dodgers' quest for a third straight World Series title. His teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound instead, delivering 2.2 scoreless innings while striking out two and allowing no hits in his first WBC appearance since winning 2025 World Series MVP honors.

The Ripple Effect

The electric atmosphere at Tokyo Dome shows how Ohtani's excellence transcends borders and brings people together. Celebrities including Timothée Chalamet and Bad Bunny packed the stadium, drawn by the chance to witness greatness. Young Japanese players watching at home see a path to international stardom. Baseball fans worldwide get to celebrate the pure joy of the sport at its highest level.

Japan's dominant performance sent a message to the 19 other nations competing: the defending champions came to defend their crown with fire and determination.

"If the fans and the team can unite and everyone can help build the excitement together, it will really encourage us," Ohtani said, acknowledging the power of collective celebration.

With Ohtani leading the way, Japan's journey to repeat as world champions is off to a spectacular start.