In a spectacular display of offensive power, Team Japan launched their World Baseball Classic campaign with a resounding 13-0 mercy-rule victory over Taiwan at a packed Tokyo Dome on Friday. The game, halted after seven innings under tournament regulations, showcased two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani’s extraordinary talents before his home nation fans.
The offensive explosion centered around a monumental second inning where Japan batted around the order, scoring ten runs in a 28-minute offensive showcase. After loading the bases with three consecutive runners, Ohtani stepped to the plate and delivered a crushing grand slam to right field off Taiwanese starter Hao-Chun Cheng. The Los Angeles Angels phenom would add a single later in the same inning, finishing with three hits and five RBIs in just two frames.
While Ohtani’s batting heroics captured attention, Japan’s pitching staff maintained complete control. Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, last season’s World Series MVP with the Dodgers, earned the victory with three scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing no hits despite some third-inning control issues that required reliever Shoma Fujihira to escape a bases-loaded jam.
The victory positions Japan firmly as Pool C favorites as they pursue their second consecutive WBC championship. The team continues pool play Saturday against regional rivals South Korea, while Taiwan faces the Czech Republic in a critical matchup for quarterfinal qualification.
In other Pool C action, Australia remained undefeated with a 5-1 victory over the Czech Republic behind Chicago White Sox infielder Curtis Mead’s third-inning three-run homer. The Australians improved to 2-0 and appear poised to challenge Japan for pool supremacy.