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Shohei Ohtani Closes Out The World Baseball Classic Striking Out Mike Trout To Win It For Japan

Megan Briggs. Getty Images.

Iconic. Of course it was Shohei Ohtani who struck out Mike Trout to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Why would this end in any other way? The man is talented beyond anyone's imagination and showcased all his talents on the worlds stage with the weight of his entire country on his shoulders. He never once blinked. There is nothing he can't do on a baseball field. 

Three outs separated Team Japan from another WBC title and in their way were Jeff McNeil, Mookie Betts, and Mike Trout. They decided to call on their monster in Shohei who would induce a massive double play from Mookie before making a fool out of his teammate Trout. Guy went from busting out an infield single with premier speed a few innings prior to hurling disgusting sliders and 100+mph fastballs past the game's best. Oh you wanna get on base, Mike? Have fun. 

Insanity. Woulda been nice if USA got one big hit in this one, but it wasn't meant to be.  

Here's the Japanese call for some added electricity 

The man did it all, as expected. It's crazy to expect this shit from one guy, but that's what we've learned to adjust our eyes to. Nonsense. 

Dude is gonna get every single dollar in free agency. 

Great tournament all around. Shout out KFC for mushing all this into becoming must watch television. Can't wait for the next one, now let's get the season going next week.